A huge blaze has erupted in West London, engulfing a warehouse filled with fireworks and gas cylinders. The fire has prompted a response from 150 firefighters who are battling the flames from a safe distance amid fears of explosions.
Firefighters were forced to pull back after flames consumed three-quarters of a two-storey warehouse and retail unit located in Southall, Ealing. Thick black smoke from the fire spread across London and was visible as far away as Merton, approximately 17 miles to the south.
Emergency crews evacuated a nearby school and a block of flats due to concerns that the fireworks and gas cylinders inside the warehouse could explode. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, the Brigade’s Incident Commander, stated: “This decision has been taken due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders within the structure. All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from farther away to ensure crew safety.”
Witnesses reported hearing fireworks around 8:40 am, just moments before the fire started. A 26-year-old local resident named Ria said: “I started hearing firework noises at around 8:40 this morning.”
Residents in the area have been advised to keep doors and windows closed to avoid inhaling hazardous smoke. The fire has also caused severe traffic disruptions as emergency crews continue their efforts to control the blaze.
Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne added: “Due to the complex nature of the site and the fire’s scale, this will be a prolonged incident with crews continuing operations throughout the day.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown as firefighters focus on containing the danger and protecting the community.
Originally published by UKNIP.
