Heathrow Airport Faces Closure Due to Substation Fire
Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports globally, has been forced to suspend operations following a significant fire at a nearby electrical substation. The incident has caused a major power outage, prompting the airport to announce its closure until 11:59 p.m. local time on Friday.
Details of the Incident
The London Fire Brigade received reports of the fire at approximately 11:23 p.m. on Thursday night, leading to the deployment of 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks to tackle the blaze in west London. After hours of intensive effort, the fire was finally declared under control by 06:28 a.m. on Friday.
Fire Brigade Response
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne commented, “This was a very visible and significant incident, and our firefighters worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.” He noted that a coordinated response from multiple agencies was essential in preventing further escalation.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
In light of the fire and the accompanying smoke, authorities evacuated 29 individuals from nearby properties. A safety cordon extending 200 meters was put in place, with approximately 150 additional residents being advised to leave the vicinity. Goulbourne urged local residents to keep windows and doors closed to mitigate the effects of the ongoing smoke, which is expected to linger throughout the day.
Impact on Travel
British Airways, which operates a substantial number of flights from Heathrow, has advised travelers to refrain from heading to the airport. Passengers are currently being informed about their travel options over the next 24 hours. Airport officials confirmed that incoming flights are being redirected to alternative U.K. airports as a precautionary measure.
Continued Monitoring and Air Quality Assessment
The fire has resulted in a widespread power outage affecting numerous homes and businesses in the area. Scientific advisors are on-site assessing further developments and monitoring air quality. As disruptions are expected to persist, the fire brigade has received over 200 emergency calls, providing guidance and reassurance to the public.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and an investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.