Police have declared a major incident in Hayes after an electrical substation exploded in the early hours of Friday morning, igniting a large-scale fire at a new building construction site on Nestles Avenue.
The explosion was reported at 11:30pm, triggering an immediate response from emergency services, including ten fire engines and specialist fire units. High Volume Pump Deployed hundred of homes have been left without power.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that alongside standard fire appliances, a High Volume Pump (HVP) was deployed to assist with moving large quantities of water to combat the intense flames.
Two Bulk Foam Units (BFUs) have also sent to the scene due to the complexity and scale of the fire.
Crews established Rendezvous Points on North Hyde Gardens at the junction of North Hyde Road, and Station Road, to coordinate the emergency response.
Residents Urged to Avoid Area
Authorities have advised residents and motorists to avoid the area, with multiple road closures in place. Local bus services operating through the affected zone have been placed on diversion routes until the situation is brought under control.
“This is a dynamic and ongoing incident. Emergency crews are working hard to bring the fire under control. We ask the public to stay away from the area for their safety and to allow crews full access,” a fire service spokesperson said.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the substation explosion remains unclear, and a full investigation will be launched once the fire is extinguished and the site is safe to access. No injuries have been reported at this time, though emergency services remain on scene.
A spokesman for the LFB said:
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are tackling a fire at an electrical substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes.
Part of the substation is alight. Around 20 people have been evacuated from neighbouring properties and a 100-metre cordon has been put in place as a precaution.
The Brigade’s Control Officers have taken almost 200 calls to the fire. The first call was received at 2323 and crews from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Southall and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
