Around 70 people were evacuated from their homes overnight as firefighters tackled a fire that broke out in a warehouse in west London. Emergency services were called to the scene on Oxgate Lane in the Brent area shortly before 9.15pm on Thursday, June 11.
Massive Response to Blaze
At its height, 25 fire engines and 150 firefighters were involved in fighting the flames. People living nearby were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to a significant amount of smoke from the fire. Crews from Hendon, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations responded after more than 85 calls reported the fire. Edgware Road was closed between the junctions of Dollis Hill and Staples Corner, with Oxgate Lane shut to traffic.
Fire Under Control
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation is underway. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed the blaze was brought under control early on Friday morning. An LFB spokesperson said: "Twenty-five fire engines and around 150 firefighters responded to a fire on Oxgate Lane, Brent. The fire was located on a business park, and involved a multi-use warehouse building consisting of two floors."
"At the fire's height, the majority of the structure and its roof was alight. Around 70 people from a neighbouring residential block were evacuated as a precaution whilst firefighting operations were carried out. There are no reports of any injuries at this time. Residents in the local area had been advised to keep doors and windows closed where possible. This was due to the significant amount of smoke being produced by the fire."
Four of the Brigade's turntable ladders deployed to the scene, tackling the fire from height. A High Volume Pump and a Hose Layer were used by crews to increase the amount of water available. The Brigade received the first of over 85 calls reporting the fire at 9.14pm on Thursday. Control Officers mobilised crews from Hendon, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations. Firefighters contained and brought the fire under control by 5.02am on Friday. The cause is under investigation by the Brigade's Fire Investigation Team.
