Tom Parker Bowles evacuated during Bayswater mansion fire

Saturday, January 5, 2013
5:17 PM

Tom Parker Bowles was among those evacuated from his home during a fire at a large empty house in Bayswater.

Tom Parker- Bowles praised the emergency services. File picture: Ian West/PA

The Duchess of Cornwall’s son was woken in the early hours of this morning when a blaze ripped through the five-storey property on Palace Court Road at 1am.

About 60 firefighters battled the flames.

Journalist Parker Bowles, 38, who took shelter in a neighbour’s home with his wife and two young children, said the incident had brought out the “best of British” spirit.

He said: “It must have been about 1.30am when officers came in to get us all out. The kids were still in their pyjamas.

Firefighters were still at the scene on Saturday evening. Picture: GD

“We have some very nice neighbours who took us in after we were evacuated.

“The police and fire brigade were exemplary. I really cannot praise them enough. They did a perfect job.

“Incidents like this really do bring out the best of British.

“We’ve been able to go back and pick up some essentials but we won’t be able to return until tonight.”

The blaze damaged all of the floors although no-one was hurt. Picture: GD

Some 25 fire engines and two aerial appliances were involved in the operation to tackle the blaze, with firefighters from nine stations across the capital.

Damage was caused to every floor of the building as well as a basement and part of the roof, the London Fire Service said.

No one was hurt and an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the blaze, it added.