Fire in West London warehouse declared a major incident
Isabelle Crow
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A fire in a warehouse in West London has been declared a major incident after it was reported that fireworks and gas cylinders were inside the building.
About three quarters of the structure is alight, according to London Fire Brigade (LFB) which was called to the two-storey building in Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, Southall, at about 08:55am GMT.
According to the Brigade, 25 fire engines and around 150 crew members were sent to the scene, including firefighters from Southall, Heston and Ealing.
Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade, Pat Goulbourne’s statement on London warehouse fire
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said all firefighters had withdrawn and were now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety.
He added: “Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control.
“The incident involves a mixed retail and warehouse space, with a significant part of the structure currently alight.
“Around three-quarters of the structure is currently alight. Three of the Brigade turntable ladders have been deployed to scene, allowing crews to fight the fire from height.”
Three nearby schools and residential block have been evacuated as a precaution and traffic in the area is expected to be affected.
The service said residents in the area were advised to keep doors and windows closed “due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the incident”.
Traffic in the area would “also be impacted,” the LFB added, also saying first reports of the fire were received at 8.55am.
A scaled up operation
The London Fire Brigade scaled up its operation after originally deploying 70 firefighters, describing it as a “protracted incident”, adding crews would be “carrying out firefighting operations throughout the day”.
As of 17:00pm GMT, the cause of the fire is unknown.
The London Ambulance Service added how there have been no injuries as a result of the incident.
The Brigade posted an update to X, stating: “Due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the fire, residents in the local area should keep doors and windows closed as crews respond.”
The Brigade’s control officers have taken some 60 calls regarding the fire.