A huge fire broke out at an electrical substation in west London early Tuesday morning, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The blaze, which ignited at Aberdeen Place in Maida Vale, saw around 100 firefighters battling the flames as residents were urged to keep their windows and doors shut.
The London Fire Brigade received more than 170 calls about the fire, which started around 5:30 AM. Fifteen fire engines were dispatched to the scene, with crews from Paddington, Euston, and other nearby stations working tirelessly to contain the inferno.
The fire was particularly intense due to an electrical transformer being alight, and the roof of a neighboring residential building also caught fire.
Station Commander Paul Morgan, who was at the scene, described the fire as "very visible" and warned that it was producing a significant amount of smoke.
Authorities advised residents to avoid the area where possible and to take precautions against inhaling the thick smoke that was spreading across the city.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs, which some described as resembling explosions. One resident recounted the terrifying moment when people banged on their door, shouting "fire, fire" and urging them to evacuate immediately. "
It was terrifying. I feared the worst," the resident said.
The fire spread to a nearby block of flats, leading to the evacuation of nearly 100 residents. Many were seen rushing out of their homes in panic, some grabbing only their essentials before fleeing. A rest center was set up by the local authority to provide shelter and support to those displaced by the incident.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but UK Power Networks stated that the blaze was due to a fault in a piece of equipment at the substation. Despite concerns that the fire could impact the electrical supply across the city, officials reassured the public that power supplies remained unaffected.
Firefighters faced significant challenges in tackling the blaze, as they had to wait for the power to be shut off before they could safely begin extinguishing the flames. Videos circulating on social media showed flames reaching high above the rooftops, with thick black smoke visible from miles away.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, and firefighters are expected to remain at the scene throughout the day to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and to assess the damage. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines as emergency crews work to bring the situation under control.
This fire comes just weeks after a similar incident at Heathrow Airport, where a blaze at an electrical substation led to major disruptions. While the Metropolitan Police have stated that they are not treating this latest fire as a criminal matter, concerns remain about the safety and maintenance of electrical infrastructure in the city.
As Londoners wake up to the aftermath of this dramatic event, the focus will now shift to recovery efforts and ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support.
Authorities will also be looking into measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, as the city grapples with the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and increasing energy demands.