Major Incident Declared as Firefighters Battle Intense Warehouse Blaze
A significant fire has engulfed a two-storey warehouse and retail unit on Bridge Road in Southall, west London, prompting the declaration of a major incident. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is leading a substantial response, with approximately 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines deployed to the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that the building, which was reported to be about three-quarters alight, is suspected to contain fireworks and cylinders. This has significantly increased the danger and complexity of the firefighting operation.
Evacuations and Safety Measures Enforced
As a precautionary measure, three schools and a residential block have been evacuated to ensure public safety. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, the incident commander, stated that the decision to declare a major incident was directly linked to the potential presence of these explosive materials.
A 200-metre safety perimeter has been established around the site. London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith urged the public: "To everyone in the area, just keep yourself safe. Keep yourselves out of the perimeter... allow the fire brigade to do their job."
Firefighting Strategy and Local Impact
The intensity of the blaze forced a change in tactics. While three turntable ladders were initially used to attack the fire from above, all crews have now been withdrawn to a safe distance and are continuing their efforts from further away to prioritise their safety.
The fire, which was first reported to the LFB at 8.55am on Tuesday, November 25, is producing a vast plume of smoke visible across west London. Residents in the immediate vicinity have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. Local traffic is heavily disrupted, and people are being urged to avoid the area entirely. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
