A massive blaze has erupted on Christmas Day, prompting a swift and dramatic response from the London Fire Brigade. Twenty fire engines, four aerial ladders, and over 150 firefighters have been dispatched to tackle the fire that engulfed a business unit located on Walmgate Road, Perivale. The incident has captured the attention of the public, with over 40 emergency calls flooding in just after lunchtime.
Key Updates:
1. Massive Response: An extensive firefighting operation is underway, with twenty fire engines and four aerial ladders now at the scene. Over 150 firefighters and officers from various fire stations across London have been mobilised to combat the ongoing blaze.
2. Gas Cylinders Involved: Fire crews are grappling with the added challenge of managing gas cylinders reportedly present in the vicinity of the fire, posing further risks.
3. Specialist Fire Investigators: Specialist fire investigators have been dispatched to probe the cause of the blaze, which currently remains unknown.
4. Business Unit Location: The affected business unit is situated near the Met Police vehicle compound centre. The business, believed to be Marvel International Food Logistics, appointed a liquidator on December 7th of this year.
5. Roof Involvement: The well-developed blaze has spread to the roof of the single-story building, amplifying the complexities of firefighting efforts to prevent further expansion and damage to neighbouring businesses.
6. Escalation in Emergency Response: In a significant development in the ongoing emergency incident, the response has escalated with the deployment of additional firefighting resources, including five more fire engines and a second aerial ladder platform, underscoring the scale and complexity of the situation.
Firefighters and officers were urgently summoned to the scene shortly after 12:30 PM as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the roof of the business unit, creating perilous conditions. As a precautionary measure, surrounding roads have been cordoned off, and residents in the vicinity have been strongly advised to keep windows and doors tightly shut due to the elevated levels of smoke emanating from the building.
The fire, which erupted on Christmas Day, has posed a significant challenge for firefighters as they strive to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working tirelessly to uncover the source.
As the situation evolves, the London Fire Brigade and local authorities will provide updates. Motorists and residents in the area are urged to exercise caution and closely follow instructions from emergency services personnel.
A Spokesman for the LFb Said:
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters are tackling a fire at an industrial estate on Walmgate Road in Perivale.
Most of an industrial unit is alight.
Station Commander Chloe Van Dop, who is at the scene, said: “Firefighters are working incredibly hard this Christmas day at the scene of the fire and are making steady progress. They are likely to be on scene for most of the afternoon.
“The blaze is producing heavy smoke which is being carried by the wind. Please avoid the area where possible and keep windows and doors closed.
“Firefighters are using a 32-metre and 64-metre turntable ladder at the scene.”
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken more than 40 calls to the blaze.
The Brigade was called at 1235. Fire crews from Wembley, Northolt, Ealing, Park Royal and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
