Major Fire Erupts at Southall Warehouse Amid Suspected Fireworks
A dramatic fire has broken out at a warehouse in Southall, west London, prompting the London Fire Brigade to declare a major incident. The blaze, which engulfed about three-quarters of the two-storey structure in Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, was first reported at around 08:55 GMT. Emergency services were quickly on the scene, with 25 fire engines and approximately 150 firefighters from stations across Southall, Heston, and Ealing responding to the growing crisis.
The fire has been described as a “protracted incident” due to the suspected presence of fireworks and gas cylinders stored inside the warehouse. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne explained that all firefighters had been pulled back to a safe distance and were now tackling the fire from further away to ensure crew safety. Despite the intense flames and explosions heard from the site, thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
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Images released by the London Fire Brigade show thick plumes of smoke rising high into the sky, visible for miles around. The structure affected is a mix of retail and warehouse space, with a significant portion completely alight. Firefighters initially deployed 70 personnel, but the operation was quickly scaled up as the fire continued to spread. The brigade has warned that firefighting efforts could continue throughout the day, given the scale of the blaze and the hazardous materials suspected to be inside.
As a precaution, a nearby school and a residential block were evacuated, and local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the heavy smoke. Traffic in the area has also been disrupted as emergency services work to contain the situation. So far, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are expected to follow once the fire is safely under control.
The London Fire Brigade has reported receiving more than 60 calls from concerned residents as the fire raged on, highlighting the fear and uncertainty in the local community. Three of the brigade’s turntable ladders were deployed to allow crews to tackle the flames from height, helping to prevent the fire from spreading further.
This incident has underlined the dangers posed when fireworks and other flammable materials are stored in commercial buildings, and the swift response of emergency crews has been crucial in managing what could have been an even more catastrophic event. Residents are being urged to remain cautious while authorities continue to fight the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.
The Southall fire serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks faced by firefighters daily and the importance of rapid, coordinated emergency responses in protecting lives and property.
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