Fireworks and cylinders may be stored inside a west London warehouse engulfed in flames, emergency services have warned as a major incident has been declared.
Thick plumes of smoke can be seen for miles as fire crews work to tackle the blaze on Bridge Road in Southall.
Around 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines from Southall, Heston and Ealing responded to the blaze just before 9am this morning.
The fire broke out in a two-storey building consisting of a warehouse and a retail space, with about three-quarters of the structure currently alight, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
Three-quarters of the building is currently alight and a nearby school and block of flats have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
Pictures from the scene show a thick plume of smoke rising above the skyline. However, the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, the Brigade’s incident commander, said: “A major incident has been declared as firefighters tackle the fire on Bridge Street, Southall. This decision has been taken due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders being stored within the structure.
“All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety.
“Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control. The incident involves a mixed retail and warehouse space, with a significant part of the structure currently alight. Due to the complex nature of the site and the size of the fire, this will be a protracted incident with crews continuing out firefighting operations through the day.
“The fire is producing a large amount of smoke, with the plume visible across west London. Residents in the immediate area are advised to keep doors and windows closed as crews respond. Traffic in the local area will be heavily impacted, and people should avoid the area if possible.”
Residents in the local area have been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to large amounts of smoke, and warned that traffic in the area will also be impacted as crews respond.
Three turntable ladders had previously been deployed to allow crews to fight the fire from height, but firefighters have now withdrawn for safety reasons.
“All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety,” Ms Goulbourne said.
“Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control.
“Due to the complex nature of the site, and the size of the fire, this will be a protracted incident with crews continuing firefighting operations through the day,” Ms Goulbourne added.
“We have helped evacuate a nearby school and block of flats, as a safety precaution.
“The fire is producing a large amount of smoke, with the plume visible across west London.
“Residents in the immediate area are advised to keep doors and windows closed as crews respond.
“Traffic in the local area will be heavily impacted, and people should avoid the area if possible.”
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