Firefighters are issuing a reminder about using candles safely following a fire at a flat on Stanley Road in South Harrow.
Most of a first-floor flat was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an unattended candle, thought to have been used as part of a religious shrine.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything else that can easily catch alight.”
Smoke alarms were present in the property but did not operate.
A Brigade spokesperson added: "This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.”
The Brigade's Control Officers received nine calls about the fire.
The first call was received at 1214 and Control Officers mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Northolt, Harrow and Wembley fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 1332.