Christmas Day Blaze Sparks Massive Firefighting Operation in London
A huge fire erupted at an industrial unit on Walmgate Road, Perivale, sending thick smoke billowing on Christmas Day. The London Fire Brigade launched a massive response, deploying over 150 firefighters with 20 fire engines and four aerial ladders to tackle the blaze.
Extraordinary Fire Response as Flames Engulf Business Unit
- Major deployment: Fire crews from Wembley, Northolt, Ealing, Park Royal, and nearby stations raced to the scene after the fire broke out just after 12:30 PM.
- Additional resources: With the fire intensifying, five more engines and a second aerial ladder platform were called in to battle the spreading flames.
- Hazardous materials: Crews face extra danger from gas cylinders present inside the building.
- Roof on fire: The blaze has reached the roof of the single-story building, complicating efforts and threatening nearby businesses.
Business Involved and Ongoing Investigation
The affected unit is believed to be Marvel International Food Logistics, located near the Met Police vehicle compound. The firm went into liquidation on December 7th. Specialist fire investigators are on-site probing the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
Urgent Public Safety Measures in Place
Authorities have closed nearby roads and urged residents to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke drifting through the area. Motorists and locals are advised to avoid the vicinity and follow instructions from emergency services.
Station Commander Chloe Van Dop: “Firefighters are working incredibly hard this Christmas Day and making steady progress. They are likely to be at the scene for most of the afternoon. The blaze is producing heavy smoke carried by the wind, so please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed. We are using 32-metre and 64-metre turntable ladders to tackle the fire.”
The Brigade’s control room has received more than 40 emergency calls about the fire since midday, highlighting the scale of the incident. Fire crews remain on full alert as they battle to bring the inferno under control.
