The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed the cause of a massive fire that erupted at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London, late Thursday evening. The blaze was sparked when a transformer containing over 25,000 litres of cooling oil caught fire, causing a massive explosion and sending flames towering into the sky.

The incident led to widespread power outages, initially leaving around 67,000 homes without electricity, with approximately 4,000 properties still affected as of Friday afternoon. The fire also severely impacted Heathrow Airport, causing partial power cuts in Terminals 2 and 4, and forcing the cancellation of over 1,300 flights.

Major Emergency Response

At its height, the inferno required 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines, with crews battling the flames for more than seven hours before the blaze was brought under control. Despite the scale of the fire, no injuries have been reported.

Photos released by LFB and shared widely on social media show huge flames engulfing the substation, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the area. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud bang before the fire erupted.

Fire Brigade Confirms Cause

In a statement, the London Fire Brigade said:

“The fire originated from a transformer that held more than 25,000 litres of cooling oil. The blaze was particularly dangerous due to the high voltage surging through the substation when the explosion occurred.”

Firefighters remain at the scene to monitor the site, as 10% of the substation was still alight on Friday afternoon.

Severe Disruption at Heathrow and in the Community

The power disruption forced Heathrow Airport to temporarily shut down some operations, leaving passengers stranded and prompting airline chaos. British Airways has warned of a "huge impact" over the coming days as recovery efforts continue.

Schools, homes, and businesses across Hayes and surrounding areas were also affected by the blackout. Several local schools were closed, and emergency bin collections were arranged by Hillingdon Council to support residents.

Government Response

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded to the crisis, stating:

"I know the situation in Heathrow is causing distress and disruption, especially for those travelling or without power in their homes. I’m receiving regular updates and remain in close contact with partners on the ground.
Thanks to our emergency workers for keeping people safe."

Power Restoration Underway

Electricity providers continue to work to restore full power across West London. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has said full restoration may take time due to the scale of the damage.

An investigation is underway, and counter-terror police are assisting as a precautionary measure, although there is currently no indication of foul play.

Residents are advised to check with their local councils and electricity providers for service updates, and Heathrow Airport has issued new travel advisories on its website.

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