Heathrow airport will be closed for at least 24 hours due to a significant power outage after a fire.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: ‘Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage across the airport due to a large fire at a nearby electrical substation.
‘Whilst fire crews are responding to the incident, we do not have clarity on when power may be reliably restored.
‘To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice but to close Heathrow until 23h59 on 21 March 2025.
‘We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.
‘We will provide an update when more information on the resumption of operations is available. We know this will be disappointing for passengers and we want to reassure that we are working as hard as possible to resolve the situation.’
The fire at the substation, which is 1.5 miles north of Heathrow, has left thousands of West London properties without power.
More than 70 firefighters and ten fire engines have rushed to the scene, on Nestles Avenue in Hayes, to tackle the blaze.
Dramatic images show flames tearing through the structure as smoke billows into the night sky.
Roughly 150 people have been evacuated from the area and a 200-metre cordon has been put in place as a precaution.
Firefighters have advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to stop the ‘significant’ amount of smoke entering their homes.
One witness told LBC: ‘I was crossing a bridge and there was a huge explosion.’
Another posted a video of the blaze on X writing: ‘Scary scenes in Hayes. Power cut and massive fire.’
A local resident claimed that ‘all the power is out for the entire area up to Hounslow.’
According to the Powertrack site, around 16,000 households are thought to be affected. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed the a large-scale power outage in the surrounding areas.
The London Fire Brigade said in a statement during the early hours of Friday: ‘Around 20 people have been evacuated from neighbouring properties and a 200-metre cordon has been put in place as a precaution with around 150 people evacuated.
‘The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
‘The Brigade’s Control Officers have taken almost 200 calls to the fire. The first call was received at 10.23pm and crews from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Southall and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene.’
In a further statement, the fire brigade warned on social media: ‘Crews remain at the scene of the fire in #Hayes – please continue to keep windows & doors closed due to smoke & avoid the area. This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night.’
Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade Pat Goulbourne said: ‘This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.
‘The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption.
‘Firefighters have led 29 people to safety from neighbouring properties, and as a precaution, a 200-metre cordon has been established, with around 150 people evacuated.
‘Due to the significant amount of smoke, we strongly advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
‘Control Officers have handled nearly 200 calls, offering vital guidance and reassurance to the public.
‘This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night. As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible.’
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
No injuries have so far been reported.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.