Major Incident Declared as Firefighters Battle Intense Southall Blaze
A significant fire has engulfed a warehouse in West London, prompting the declaration of a major incident. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is leading the large-scale response to the blaze on Bridge Road in Southall.
Emergency services have raised serious concerns that fireworks and cylinders may be stored inside the burning building, significantly increasing the danger and complexity of the operation.
Scale of the Emergency Response
The scale of the firefighting effort is substantial. Approximately 150 firefighters have been deployed to the scene, supported by 25 fire engines.
Crews were initially dispatched from Southall, Heston, Ealing, and surrounding fire stations following the first emergency call at 8:55 am on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. The brigade's control room has since received around 60 calls from members of the public reporting the fire.
The building itself is a two-storey structure containing both warehouse and retail space. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, the incident commander, confirmed that a staggering three-quarters of the building is currently alight.
Safety Measures and Public Advice
Due to the extreme risks posed by the suspected contents, firefighting tactics have shifted to prioritise crew safety. All firefighters have now withdrawn to a safe distance and are tackling the flames from a greater range.
This decision was made after three turntable ladders, which had been used to fight the fire from height, were deemed unsafe to continue operating. Ms Goulbourne stated that this will be a protracted incident, with crews expected to continue firefighting operations throughout the day.
The inferno is producing a large, highly visible plume of smoke across West London. Authorities are strongly advising residents in the immediate vicinity to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation.
Furthermore, traffic in the local area is heavily impacted, and the public is being urged to avoid Bridge Road in Southall if at all possible. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be subject to investigation once the blaze is under control.
