A major fire continues to rage at a warehouse in Southall, west London, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky hours after it first broke out.

Firefighters believe fireworks and gas cylinders may be stored inside the building, raising serious safety concerns.

The two-storey warehouse, part of Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, was reported ablaze at around 08:55 GMT on Tuesday and is still burning several hours later. Eyewitnesses say smoke can still be seen across the area.

At the height of the incident, about two-thirds of the structure was said to be on fire with the roof finally collapsing.

Around 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines from Southall, Heston, Ealing, and surrounding areas are battling the blaze.

Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Pat Goulbourne said crews had temporarily withdrawn to a safer distance due to the risk of explosions but continue operations from afar to try to bring the fire under control.

Goulbourne said in a statement that explosions were reported at the scene, prompting ground crews to request additional resources after the initial response. 

"Subsequent firefighting operations have been carried out at a distance due to the risk of explosions and to ensure crew safety. Firefighters will remain on scene through the evening.", Goulbourne said. 

Three nearby schools and a residential block have been evacuated as a precaution with residents advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amounts of smoke being produced by the fire.

The brigade described the incident as “protracted,” with firefighting expected to continue for several more hours. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In a post on X, the LFB declared the ongoing blaze a "major incident" due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders within one of the structures involved.

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