London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to a significant fire at an electrical substation in Maida Vale on 29 April 2025, which saw 100 people cleared from the area and a major incident declared
Around 15 fire appliances and 100 firefighters were mobilised to the scene, with LFB confirming an electrical transformer was alight. The response effort saw crews from Paddington, Euston, North Kensington, Willesden, West Hampstead, Soho, and surrounding fire stations in attendance, with a 32-metre turntable ladder used to tackle the fire from above.
It is understood that the blaze also impacted the roof and a flat of a neighbouring residential block. LFB stated: “Firefighters have worked professionally to contain this part of the fire and bring it under control. A flat in another building was also partially damaged.”
Buildings surrounding the substation were evacuated of around 100 people, with no injuries reported. In an update on the social media platform X, the brigade called it a “very visible fire causing heavy smoke”, with those in the local area advised to keep doors and windows shut.
As reported by My London, four flats were left uninhabitable and a spokesperson for Westminster City Council confirmed that rest centres had been set up for those affected:
"We have been supporting around 40 residents since they were evacuated from their homes early this morning. Two rest centres were immediately set up to provide residents with refreshments and support from housing and welfare officers. We will continue to offer support until those affected can return to their homes."
UK Power Networks also confirmed that the fire had not interrupted power supplies, adding that it was an “isolated incident”.
Commenting on the fire, Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: "This was a very visible fire with Control Officers taking over 170 calls. The fire has also been producing a lot of smoke and although the amount of smoke has significantly reduced, we continue to advise residents to keep their windows and doors closed at this time. One of our scientific advisors is on site and is closely monitoring the air quality in the area. Around 100 residents were evacuated from their homes but some have now returned.
"Due to the fire involving a high-profile piece of infrastructure that was affecting nearby residential buildings, a major incident was declared by London Fire Brigade at 0826. I am pleased to report that this declaration was stood down at 1053.
"However, firefighting operations will continue for some time on the transformer at the substation. To combat this technically complex fire, crews have been deploying foam to suppress the flames. The foam works by smothering the fire and cutting off its fuel source, preventing reignition."
The brigade added that it is working closely with UK Power Networks and the Metropolitan Police to determine the cause of the fire.
(Photograph by London Fire Brigade)