5 days ago
24
Fireworks may be stored inside a west London warehouse engulfed in flames, emergency services have warned as a major incident has been declared.
About 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines were battling the fire in a two-storey structure consisting of a warehouse and retail space on Bridge Road in Southall, the London fire brigade (LFB) said on Tuesday.
Three-quarters of the building remained ablaze and a nearby school and block of flats were evacuated as a safety precaution, the LFB added.
“A major incident has been declared as firefighters tackle the fire on Bridge Street, Southall,” LFB’s assistant commissioner, Pat Goulbourne, said.
“This decision has been taken due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders being stored within the structure.”
Crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding fire stations were responding to the blaze, the LFB added.
Three turntable ladders had been deployed previously to allow crews to fight the fire from height, but firefighters have since withdrawn for safety reasons.
“All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety,” Goulbourne said.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,” he added.
Goulbourne said the fire was producing a large amount of smoke, and advised residents to close their doors and windows until the fire was put out. He also suggested drivers avoid the area.
First reports of the fire were received at 8.55am, the LFB said, adding that there were about 60 calls in total.
The cause of the fire was not yet known, the LFB added.
