Lucky escape as property had no smoke alarms

A family had to be rescued and treated for smoke inhalation in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after a fire ripped through a car showroom below their flat in Harlesden.

Three children and their parents had to be led to safety by fire crews at around mid-night following the blaze in Barretts Green Road.

The blaze damaged three vehicles on the ground floor in the car show room.

Four fire engines from Park Royal, Acton, and Willesden fire stations were at the scene with around 20 firefighters. The Brigade was called at 12.23am and the fire was under control at 1.13am.

Following the fire, crews fitted a smoke alarm for the family as there was none in the property.

Watch Manager Alan Allmark, who was at the scene, said: “The car show room was very smoky when we arrived and there were lots of flames.

“We were able to put the fire out quickly and keep it from spreading to additional cars.

“The family were understandably a bit shaken up, but really lucky not to have serious injuries as there was no smoke alarm in the flat. We installed smoke alarms and I urge everyone to get at least one.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.