Firefighters have issued another fireworks safety warning following a fire at a row of terraced shops and flats on North Road in Southall.
On arrival, crews observed flames ten metres high at the rear of the terrace. Two people were rescued from the first floor by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using an external staircase. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.
Around 40 people left the surrounding buildings before the Brigade arrived and 15 people have been temporarily displaced as a result of the fire.
An annex at the rear of the terrace, where the fire originated, was destroyed by the fire. Half of two shops were also damaged and the fire spread to a flat above the shop and several adjoining properties suffered smoke damage.
Four propane cylinders were removed as a precaution and cooled to an ambient temperature, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a stray firework falling and melting through the roof of a storage annex at the rear of the shop.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "This incident is evidence of the damage that can be caused when fireworks aren't used safely.
"Our advice is to attend a safer, organised display instead of purchasing fireworks for use at home.
“If you are going to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller with a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.
“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back to it.
“Disposing of fireworks safely is just as important as using them correctly. Allow fireworks to cool properly before throwing them away.”
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to help to tackle the fire from above.
Control Officers took the first of 12 calls at 0131. They mobilised eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters from Southall, Ealing and Hillingdon fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0343.
The fire occurred during a busy period of firework-related calls and incidents, including:
- A house fire in Hayes
- A report of smoke issuing due to fireworks in Southall
- A report of a fireworks alight next to a house in Upton Park
- A fire in a park in Ilford caused by fireworks
- A report of a firework in a hallway in Southall
- A tree alight due to fireworks in Hounslow
- An automatic fire alarm caused by fireworks in Edmonton
- A report of smoke in a leisure centre due to fireworks in Hounslow
- Reports of fireworks being misused in Wembley, South Harrow and Harlington
- Fireworks alight in the middle of a roundabout in Wembley
- A report of a fire due to fireworks in Uxbridge
- A bin alight behind a shop in Harrow
- A firework alight on a roundabout in Hayes