Major Substation Blaze at Maida Vale Rages for Over 24 Hours
Fire crews are still battling flames more than 24 hours after a huge blaze tore through an electrical substation on Aberdeen Place, Maida Vale. The fire erupted early Tuesday morning, forcing around 100 residents to evacuate. Although the London Fire Brigade managed to bring the fire under control by midday, firefighters remain on site tackling the complicated blaze inside the substation’s electrical transformer.
Neighbours Evacuated as Fire Spreads to Residential Blocks
The fire caused damage to the roof and a flat in a neighbouring block, with a second flat in another building also suffering partial damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Most evacuated residents have now been allowed back home, while Westminster Council set up a rest centre to help those displaced.
High-Tech Fight: Foam, Drones and a 32-Metre Ladder in Action
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne revealed the incident triggered 170 emergency calls due to the flames’ visibility and thick smoke.
“Although the fire is now under control, crews are continuing to work to fully extinguish the fire. Foam is being used to smother the flames and prevent reignition,” he said.
“This was a technically complex incident involving high-voltage infrastructure. One of our scientific advisors remains on-site monitoring air quality, and we continue to advise local residents to keep windows and doors closed.”
The operation deployed 15 fire engines and about 100 firefighters from stations including Paddington, Euston, North Kensington, Willesden, West Hampstead, and Soho. A 32-metre turntable ladder was used for aerial attacks, while LFB’s drone team supplied critical situational updates.
Power Stays On as Fire Investigation Continues
Despite the chaos, UK Power Networks confirmed that power supplies remained uninterrupted. Investigations into the fire’s cause are underway, led by UK Power Networks engineers and Metropolitan Police.
The London Fire Brigade warned this remains a protracted incident, with crews expected to stay at the scene throughout the day to ensure the flames are fully snuffed out and public safety maintained.
