The London Fire Brigade have had to issue an urgent warning about barbecuing on balconies after a flat fire in Ealing. 

Part of the second floor of a flat with a shop underneath on Gunnersbury Avenue in Ealing was damaged by a fire, which is believed to have been started accidentally by a barbecue on an adjacent balcony. 

No injuries were reported from this fire, but senior firefighters warn that balcony fires can be devastating as they can easily spread to adjoining properties, potentially leaving many people homeless if the fire is serious enough. 

The Brigade has previously written to a number of manufacturers and retailers highlighting its concerns about barbecues which were being specifically marketed for use on balconies. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Many balconies have combustible materials as part of their construction and there are often combustible items stored in outside spaces so if a fire starts, it can spread quickly. 

"Another worry is that wind can fan or carry smouldering ignition sources such as cigarettes and embers from barbecues to lower or adjacent balconies. 

"We understand people want to enjoy their outside space if they have it, but please don't think it won't happen to you, because it can. 

"Don't be the reason you and your neighbours end up looking for somewhere else to live because of your cigarette or barbecue." 

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They have given a series of tips about how to be safer: never use a barbecue indoors; keep the barbecue on ground level and away from flammable objects; don't use petrol, paraffin, or any other flammable liquids; and keep children and pets away from the barbecue and under supervision. 

The London Fire Brigade were called to respond to the fire at around 6.40pm on Monday 29th May and it was brought under control by 7.07pm, with 25 firefighters responding from Ealing, Chiswick, Wembley, and Richmond.