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Around 100 firefighters are battling a massive blaze that has engulfed a warehouse and retail space in Southall, West London. The fire, which broke out around 8:55am today on Bridge Road, has generated thick plumes of black smoke visible across the capital and triggered multiple explosions.
The London Fire Brigade dispatched 15 fire engines and crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding stations after receiving over 50 emergency calls. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: «The fire is located in a two storey structure consisting of a warehouse and retail space. Around three-quarters of the structure is currently alight.»
Explosions and rapid spread
Local resident Anya told MyLondon she initially mistook the sounds for fireworks. «I was doing my own thing and I kept hearing explosion sounds, and I'm so used to that sound because it's Southall and people have been doing fireworks, so I didn't think about it as it's day time,» she said.
The situation quickly escalated. «Then I started hearing sirens and [more] explosions, much stronger than normal fireworks. And I looked and the warehouse had the biggest fire I've ever seen and largest smoke [I've ever seen],» Anya described.
She reported frequent explosions during the early stages of the fire. «The explosion was going on every 10 seconds half an hour ago. Explosion after explosion, it's still exploding now but not as frequently. It was a small portion of the warehouse and it's now extended to the entirety of it - it's burning the entire place down,» she told MyLondon.
Impact on the area
Residents in the local area are being urged to keep their doors and windows closed due to the large volume of smoke being produced. Heavy traffic is affecting Bridge Road and surrounding areas.
Photos shared on social media show flames and thick black smoke filling West London's skyline. The smoke has been visible from over 15 miles away, including from the City of London.
The London Fire Brigade spokesperson stated: «Traffic in the area will be impacted as crews respond.» The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Anya expressed concern about the proximity of the fire. «I was starting to panic, if it comes closer we'll leave the building,» she told MyLondon.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
