Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a range of mid terrace shops and dwellings on North Road in Southall.
A detached garage was destroyed by the fire. An extension to the rear of the property was also destroyed. Two people were rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. Around 40 people left the surrounding buildings before the Brigade arrived. There are no reports of any injuries.
Four propane cylinders were removed as a precaution and cooled to an ambient temperature, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.
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 crews from Southall, Ealing and Hillingdon fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0343.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.