A large fire broke out at an electrical substation in West London, England, prompting a major emergency response and causing widespread power outages. The incident occurred on March 20, 2025, with the first emergency calls received at 11:23 p.m., according to the London Fire Brigade. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were deployed to the substation located on Nestles Avenue in Hayes.
As a precaution, approximately 20 local residents were evacuated from nearby properties, and a 330-foot (100-meter) safety cordon was set up around the blaze. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with flames erupting from the site and large clouds of smoke rising into the night sky. Footage captured by onlookers shows the flames engulfing the substation, casting an orange glow over the area.
A significant number of homes and businesses, affecting around 16,000 residents, were reported to be without power as a direct result of the fire. Notable impacts included disruptions to several London Underground stations, such as Hounslow Central, Hounslow West, Hayes & Harlington, and Southall Station. Emergency crews from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, and Southall were mobilized quickly to combat the fire.
There have been no reported injuries, but the fire prompted widespread concern among locals who reported hearing a loud explosion prior to the outbreak of the fire. One eyewitness, who was nearby, stated, "I was crossing a bridge and there was a huge explosion," illustrating the dramatic nature of the event. Another individual, Abs, who felt the reverberation from the blast, remarked, "All the power is out for the entire area up to Hounslow." Video footage shared on social media showcases not only the flames but also the emergency response efforts in real-time.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed that the fire led to extensive power outages, and they estimated that power would be restored by approximately 3:00 a.m. on March 21. Local authorities urged residents to avoid the area, advising them to keep windows and doors closed to prevent exposure to smoke.
The cause of the fire remains unclear at this stage. The London Fire Brigade indicated that an investigation would be conducted to ascertain what caused the blaze, as nearly 200 calls had been made to report the incident since it began. The first call occurred shortly before midnight, prompting an immediate response from fire officials. Eyewitness reports have contributed to a clearer picture of the event, revealing sharp sounds of explosions and flames that lit up the night sky.
In recent years, the North Hyde Electricity Substation underwent significant upgrades, with a project completed in early 2021 that involved new transformers, circuits, and cables intended to enhance the resilience of the power supply in the west London area, which includes commercial and residential properties.
As this is a developing story, local news outlets have been closely monitoring the situation, and updates will follow as officials gain more clarity on both the cause of the fire and the status of power restoration efforts. Residents affected by the fire have been encouraged to stay tuned for further information and assistance.
