London firefighters are warning people of the dangers of barbecuing on their balcony after a flat fire in Harlesden.

According to a London Fire Brigade statement, a balcony caught fire after embers from a barbecue on the above balcony blew down and ignited some rubbish, on Friday (June 5).

The occupants of the flat above had gone back inside and were unaware of the fire. Fortunately, passers-by noticed smoke and called the brigade.

Firefighters attended the scene just before 9pm and the fire was under control shortly after 10pm.

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters from Willesden and Park Royal stations attended the blaze.

Station manager Gareth Cook, who was at the scene of the fire, said: "It was lucky that passers-by noticed the smoke and called the brigade, as the flat's occupants were out and the people having the barbecue above had gone back inside.

"Crews were able to contain the fire to the balcony, but had we not been called, the fire could have taken hold and this story could have had a very different ending."

The brigade says that barbecues should never be lit on balconies due to the risk of them causing fires.

"We’d urge people not to light barbecues on their balconies," a spokesman said. "Balconies are often enclosed and it’s easy for barbecues to get out of control and cause a fire which can then spread to other properties.

"If you’re planning a barbecue, it’s important to place the barbecue on level ground and well away from anything that could catch fire, such as fences, overhanging trees and sheds – or in this case, other people’s balconies.

"It’s vital that you never leave your barbecue unattended and make sure it’s completely out once finished with."