Sadly, four people have died following a fire on Tillett Close, Stonebridge.
Eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters were deployed to the scene. Two terraced houses, each consisting of three floors, were severely damaged by the fire. Four people left the properties before the Brigade arrived. All were assessed on scene by the London Ambulance Service, and two were taken to hospital for further treatment.
A woman and a child were rescued from the second floor of one property by crews wearing breathing apparatus and received immediate emergency care. Both were sadly declared deceased at the scene by a Helicopter Emergency Services (HEMS) team. Two more children were discovered inside the property as crews carried out firefighting operations and were declared deceased at the scene.
The Brigade received the first of over 20 calls reporting the fire at 0113, and crews from Wembley, Park Royal, Willesden and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene. Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 0324.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by officers from the Brigade’s Fire Investigation Unit and the Metropolitan Police Service.
Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the Brigade are with those impacted by this incident.
“Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire, involving two adjoining properties. Crews immediately set to work carrying out firefighting operations in order to bring the incident under control.
“Sadly, a woman and three children have died as a result of this fire. Crews wearing breathing apparatus were able to rescue the woman and one of the children from the second floor, but they were later declared deceased at the scene. A further two children were discovered to have died in the fire, as crews carried out a search of the properties involved.
“Our specialist Fire Investigation Unit are working closely with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service to now determine the cause of this fire.
“We are working closely with our partners to support the community at this very sad time.”