Major incident declared as fireworks suspected to be inside burning west London warehouse

"About 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines were battling the fire in a two-storey structure consisting of a warehouse and retail space on Bridge Road in Southall, the London fire brigade (LFB) said on Tuesday. Three-quarters of the building remained ablaze and a nearby school and block of flats were evacuated as a safety precaution, the LFB added. A major incident has been declared as firefighters tackle the fire on Bridge Street, Southall, LFB's assistant commissioner, Pat Goulbourne, said."

"This decision has been taken due to the suspected presence of fireworks and cylinders being stored within the structure. Crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding fire stations were responding to the blaze, the LFB added. Three turntable ladders had been deployed previously to allow crews to fight the fire from height, but firefighters have since withdrawn for safety reasons."

"All firefighters have withdrawn to a safe distance and are now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety, Goulbourne said. Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control. Due to the complex nature of the site, and the size of the fire, this will be a protracted incident with crews continuing firefighting operations through the day, he added."

A large fire broke out in a two-storey warehouse and retail structure on Bridge Road in Southall, west London. About 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze. Three-quarters of the building remained ablaze and a nearby school and a block of flats were evacuated as a precaution. A major incident was declared because fireworks and gas cylinders were suspected to be inside the premises. Turntable ladders were used initially but crews withdrew to fight the fire from a greater distance for safety. The incident is expected to be protracted, with operations continuing through the day. Residents were advised to close doors and windows and drivers to avoid the area.

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