Hundreds evacuated from Ikea Wembley as solar panels catch fire

Around 250 people were evacuated from the Ikea store in Wembley after solar panels on the roof caught fire.

Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters were called to a fire on Drury Way on Thursday.

Approximately 100 solar panels situated on the roof of the store were alight, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Firefighters were first called to the scene at 10.35am with the fire extinguished by 12.44pm.

Pictures from the scene showed a large plume of black smoke billowing from the roof.

Five fire engines were called to a fire this morning involving solar panels on the roof of a store on Drury Way in #Wembley. Crews remain on scene dampening down.

The store has been safely evacuated.

More: https://t.co/CMdU2WM3HU https://t.co/hhB1yjcumO

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) October 16, 2025

A small part of the roof also sustained some damage, the LFB said.

A 32-metre turntable was used by firefighters as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.