A disposable barbecue left on timber decking is believed to have caused the house fire in Greenford in the early hours of Monday April 10.

The blaze at the house in Sudbury Heights Avenue in Greenford , which was left completely damaged, has sparked a safety warning message after scorching temperatures led to a barbecue fire.

The London Fire Brigade said it was the first big barbecue fire of the summer.

Firefighters urged people to make sure barbecues are disposed of safely and completely cooled down before being left unattended.

An investigation by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) found the fire started on a timber decking close to a shed between two rows of terraced houses.

The flames spread to two end of terrace properties.

Firefighters were called to a property in Sudbury Heights Avenue

One house was completely damaged by fire, while a second property suffered fire damage to the first floor and the roof.

An evacuation took place of all properties within the two terrace blocks.

No injuries were reported.

Station manager Ben King, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked hard to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties.

“There was a lot of smoke in the vicinity and we urged residents to close their windows and take extra care when driving in the area.

“Firefighters were at the scene through the night."

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the blaze started in a shed

The Brigade's fire investigators are also urging people not to start barbecues on balconies or on top of tower blocks.

A LFB spokesman added: “It appears that a resident had been using a disposable barbecue and was it left on the timber decking which caught alight.

“It is really important that people don’t use barbecues on balconies or on top of tower blocks as you could be putting the lives of the residents inside the building at risk.

"Always make sure barbecues are completely cool before leaving them unattended.”

The Brigade was called at 12.22am on Monday (April 10).

It took over three-and-a-half hours to bring the fire under control.

Around 72 firefighters and officers along with 10 fire engines attended the scene.

Brigades from Wembley, Northolt, Southall, Park Royal, Harrow and Acton fire stations were in attendance.

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