A major fire close to Wembley Stadium in north-west London could be seen from miles around as it sparked rail and Tube chaos on Friday.
Around 125 firefighters were scrambled to a mixed waste facility on an industrial estate in Neasden just after 11.30am as the fire broke out.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen in the sky in videos posted on social media, with firefighters still battling the blaze into the evening.
Residents told to stay inside
Nearby residents were told to close doors and windows and remain inside where possible as the thick black smoke filled the air.
The fire, close to rail lines, meant the entire Metropolitan Line was suspended while the Jubilee Line was part suspended, with severe delays on the rest of the line.
Major disruption to rail services to and from London Marylebone station, which was evacuated, is expected until the end of the day.
Evacuations and response
A nearby Amazon warehouse, which is not related to the industrial unit involved, was also evacuated.
At 8pm the fire was still not declared under control by the London Fire Brigade and firefighters remained at the scene.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be investigated. Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick 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."
Scale of the incident
He added: "The Brigade was called at 1136 to reports of a fire on Hannah Close, Neasden. Upon arrival, firefighters were met by a well-developed fire involving a waste transfer facility. Recognising the scale of the fire, the initial officer in attendance immediately requested twenty fire engines be mobilised to the scene."
"An industrial unit, approximately 100m by 150m is currently alight. We have around 125 firefighters currently working to bring the fire under control. The fire has produced a significant amount of smoke, with local residents being advised to keep doors and windows closed as we respond. Services on nearby rail lines have also been suspended as a precaution whilst we respond."
"Four of the Brigade's 32m ladders have been mobilised to the scene as part of our response, alongside the Brigade's Drone Team. A Hose Laying Unit and High Volume Pump have also been deployed, increasing the amount of water available to firefighters as they work to bring the fire under control."
The London Fire Brigade released images of the scorched warehouse as the smoke reduced. Images showed an aerial view of the unit, which had been burnt by the blaze. The roof looks to be particularly damaged as smoke and steam rose from the building.
Transport chaos and reaction
Passengers described being "stranded" as the blaze caused major disruption to transport. The LFB also warned traffic in the surrounding area would be heavily impacted.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan thanked the fire crews tackling the blaze. He said in a post on X: "My thanks go to our brave firefighters who are tackling the blaze to protect lives and businesses."
A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said earlier an incident response officer was sent to the scene and currently no patients were being treated.
