A major incident has been declared in West London as around 150 firefighters battle a fierce blaze at a warehouse in Southall, with warnings it may contain fireworks.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to Bridge Road in Southall at 8.55am on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to reports of a fire in a two-storey structure containing a warehouse and retail space. The brigade's control officers have since received approximately 60 calls about the incident.
Approximately 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines from Southall, Heston, Ealing, and surrounding stations are at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, the brigade's incident commander, confirmed that a major incident was declared specifically "due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders being stored within the structure."
Intense Blaze and Safety Measures
The fire is extensive, with around three-quarters of the building currently alight. Due to the complex and dangerous nature of the fire, all firefighters have been withdrawn to a safe distance and are now combating the flames from a greater range to ensure their safety.
As a precaution, a nearby school and a block of flats have been evacuated. London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith has established a 200-metre perimeter around the scene and is urging the public to stay away. "Keep yourselves out of the perimeter... allow the fire brigade to do their job," he told PA Media.
Ongoing Operations and Local Impact
The fire is producing a significant plume of smoke that is visible across west London. Residents in the immediate vicinity are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed. Local traffic is heavily impacted, and people are being urged to avoid the area if possible.
Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne stated that this will be a protracted incident, with crews expected to continue firefighting operations throughout the day and into the night. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Commissioner Smith confirmed that it will be a "very, very busy scene of operations for the foreseeable future, certainly overnight."
