Fears of travel chaos have grown after a major fire at an industrial estate near Wembley Stadium caused serious disruption to transport links, with some Tube lines partially or fully suspended. The blaze broke out this morning in Neasden, less than a mile from the stadium, and emergency services rushed to the scene.
Weekend events at risk
Wembley Stadium and the nearby OVO Arena are expected to host two major events this weekend despite the fire. All Elite Wrestling: All in London is scheduled for August 30 at 6:30pm at Wembley Stadium, while the Revolution Pro Wrestling: 14 Year Anniversary Show is set for the OVO Arena on Saturday August 29.
The fire has triggered concerns that fans heading to these events could face serious travel issues. The entire Metropolitan line was suspended due to the fire, and the Jubilee line is partially suspended, with no service between Willesden Green and Wembley Park and minor delays on the rest of the line.
Transport and fire response
TfL stated: "No service on the entire line while we respond to a fire alert at Neasden." They added: "No service between Willesden Green and Wembley Park and MINOR DELAYS on the rest of the line while we respond to a fire alert at Neasden. Tickets will be accepted on London Buses."
The London Fire Brigade said: "The fire is located at a mixed waste facility, and an industrial unit approximately 100m by 150m is currently alight. Three of the Brigade's 32m ladders have been mobilised to the scene as part of our response, alongside the Brigade's Drone Team." Firefighters have also deployed a hose laying unit and high volume pump to increase water supply as they work to control the fire.
Ongoing operation
Hannah Close in Neasden, where the blaze erupted, is home to an industrial and logistics estate that sits directly alongside railway lines. The estate holds numerous industrial units and distribution warehouses.
Firefighters will remain at the scene for the rest of the day, London Fire Brigade said. Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick, leading the operation, said: "This is a protracted incident that will see crews on scene for the remainder of the day as the work to fully extinguish the fire." He added: "I'd like to thank our firefighters for their hard work so far at this fire, and our Control Officers for managing a significant number of calls and coordinating our response." The cause of the blaze remains unclear.
