Eighty residents have been evacuated after a huge blaze broke out at an electrical substation in the heart of the city centre.
Flames and billowing clouds of dark smoke were seen soaring into the sky from Victoria Passage in Aberdeen Place near Paddington this morning.
The fire had spread beyond the substation, which is owned by UK Power Networks, to part of the roof of a neighbouring residential building.
Firefighters are trying to subdue the flames from above using 32-metre turntables ladders. There are no reports of injuries, London Fire Brigade (LFB) have confirmed.
Shocking footage outside the entrance of the major train station captures thick grey cloud emerging into the sky as commuters look on.
Another terrifying 17-second clip, nearer to the scene, shows the blue sky mostly clouded by black smoke aggressively emerging from the flames.
Around 100 firefighters as well as 15 fire engines responded to the inferno in the early hours at around 5.29am.
The Fire Brigade’s 999 control room received 170 calls about the ferocious blaze, with firefighters still present at the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Fire crews from both Paddington and Euston stations were called to the aggressive inferno.
Station Commander Paul Morgan said: ‘This is a very visible fire and there is lots of smoke. Residents are advised to keep their windows and doors shut.’
A LFB spokesperson said: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at an electrical substation on Aberdeen Place in Maida Vale.
‘An electrical transformer is alight. Part of the roof of a neighbouring residential building is also alight.
‘One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene to tackle the fire from above.
‘The Brigade’s 999 Control officers have received over 170 calls alerting them to the blaze.
‘This will be a protracted incident and firefighters are expected to remain on scene throughout the day.
‘The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
UK Power Networks said the fire has not interrupted the power supply to the area.
A UK Power Networks: ‘UK Power Networks was called to a fire at a substation in St John’s Wood, early this morning (29 April). This has not interrupted power supplies.
‘Our teams are working with the fire service to make the equipment safe. This is an isolated incident and customers’ supplies were not impacted.’
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘At 05:42hrs on Tuesday, 29 April we were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to a fire at an electricity substation in Victoria Passage, Maida Vale.
‘Officers responded to support the emergency response which has required a number of nearby buildings to be evacuated.
‘We remain on the scene in support of the London Fire Brigade working alongside partners including the local authority.
‘At an appropriate point, firefighters will be able to give an initial view of the potential cause, but for now the priority of all those involved in the response is tackling the fire and ensuring the safety of people in the surrounding area.