Major Blaze Engulfs London Warehouse Amid Fireworks Storage Fears
Published 25 November 2025
Highlights
- A major fire broke out at a warehouse in Southall, West London, with 150 firefighters and 25 engines responding.
- Fireworks and gas cylinders were suspected to be inside the building, prompting safety precautions.
- Three schools and a residential block were evacuated, with over 100 people taking shelter at a local rest centre.
- The fire brigade established a 200-meter safety perimeter and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown, and firefighting operations are expected to continue overnight.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Major Blaze Engulfs London Warehouse Amid Fireworks Storage Fears
A significant fire erupted at a warehouse in Southall, West London, on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched approximately 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines to the scene at Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road after receiving initial reports at 08:55 GMT. Concerns were raised about fireworks and gas cylinders potentially stored inside the building, heightening safety measures.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
The fire, which engulfed three-quarters of the two-storey structure, led to the evacuation of three nearby schools and a residential block. Ealing Council provided support to over 100 displaced residents, offering shelter at a local rest centre. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne noted that the roof of the warehouse had collapsed, and firefighters were operating from a safe distance due to reported explosions.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining a 200-meter safety perimeter around the site. "To everyone in the area, just keep yourself safe," he urged, advising the public to avoid the vicinity and allow emergency services to manage the situation. The LFB also warned residents to keep doors and windows closed due to the significant smoke output.
Ongoing Operations and Investigation
Despite scaling up operations from an initial 70 firefighters, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing, and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are expected to continue their efforts throughout the night. The LFB described the incident as "protracted," with complex site conditions contributing to the extended firefighting operations.
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Scenario Analysis
As the firefighting efforts continue, the focus will likely shift towards a thorough investigation to determine the fire's cause. The presence of fireworks and gas cylinders, if confirmed, could lead to regulatory reviews of storage practices in similar facilities. Additionally, the incident may prompt discussions on enhancing fire safety protocols and emergency response strategies in densely populated urban areas. Public safety remains a priority, with authorities urging residents to stay informed and adhere to official advisories.
A significant fire erupted at a warehouse in Southall, West London, on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched approximately 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines to the scene at Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road after receiving initial reports at 08:55 GMT. Concerns were raised about fireworks and gas cylinders potentially stored inside the building, heightening safety measures.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
The fire, which engulfed three-quarters of the two-storey structure, led to the evacuation of three nearby schools and a residential block. Ealing Council provided support to over 100 displaced residents, offering shelter at a local rest centre. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne noted that the roof of the warehouse had collapsed, and firefighters were operating from a safe distance due to reported explosions.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining a 200-meter safety perimeter around the site. "To everyone in the area, just keep yourself safe," he urged, advising the public to avoid the vicinity and allow emergency services to manage the situation. The LFB also warned residents to keep doors and windows closed due to the significant smoke output.
Ongoing Operations and Investigation
Despite scaling up operations from an initial 70 firefighters, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing, and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are expected to continue their efforts throughout the night. The LFB described the incident as "protracted," with complex site conditions contributing to the extended firefighting operations.
What this might mean
As the firefighting efforts continue, the focus will likely shift towards a thorough investigation to determine the fire's cause. The presence of fireworks and gas cylinders, if confirmed, could lead to regulatory reviews of storage practices in similar facilities. Additionally, the incident may prompt discussions on enhancing fire safety protocols and emergency response strategies in densely populated urban areas. Public safety remains a priority, with authorities urging residents to stay informed and adhere to official advisories.
