Major Incident Declared in West London
Emergency services have declared a major incident in Southall, west London, where a massive warehouse fire is raging with suspicions that fireworks may be stored inside the burning building. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed the serious situation on Tuesday, mobilising a huge response to the blaze on Bridge Road.
Firefighting Operations and Safety Withdrawal
Approximately 150 firefighters using 25 fire engines were initially deployed to combat the flames engulfing the two-storey structure, which contains both warehouse and retail space. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne stated that three turntable ladders had been used to attack the fire from height before crews made the decision to withdraw to a safe distance.
"All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety," Goulbourne explained, highlighting the complex nature of the incident. He added that three-quarters of the building remains ablaze and warned this would be a "protracted incident" with firefighting operations expected to continue throughout the day.
Evacuations and Public Health Warnings
As a safety precaution, authorities have evacuated a nearby school and block of flats. The LFB has issued urgent advice to local residents due to the significant smoke plume generated by the fire.
Nearby residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed until the fire is fully extinguished. Motorists have also been asked to avoid the area as heavy traffic is anticipated around the incident site.
The fire was first reported at 8.55am, with the LFB receiving approximately 60 emergency calls about the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as firefighters continue their efforts to bring the situation under control.
