Firefighters are warning people to take extra care if they use portable heaters this autumn after a house fire on Harrow Road in Wembley.

Part of the ground floor bedroom in an end-of-terraced house was damaged by fire. A man left the building before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by textiles placed too close to a halogen heater.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fire caused by heaters, open fires and electrical items can be very intense and spread very quickly. There is a risk that some people, in a bid not to pay more, may end up paying an even higher price – through a fire that causes them serious injury or even costs them their life. 

“We understand that people are trying to save money and over the autumn and winter we will be working with London’s communities to help them understand how they can #stayfiresafe, reduce the risk of fire in their home, and also hopefully keep costs down. 

“For example, we know that people may want to use portable heaters to heat just one room. If you do, it’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, bedding or furniture and are never used to dry clothes.

“It’s also important to always sit at least a metre away from the heater, as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair, and position them where they won’t be knocked over.”

The Brigade was called at 2031 and the fire was under control by 2138. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wembley, Park Royal, Willesden and Southall fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters:Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.Check that your heater isn’t on a recall list – there have been many fires in the past year connected to heaters that have been recalled.Never install, repair or service appliances yourself.Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first.