In brief
A significant fire at an electrical substation near Heathrow Airport has knocked out power for thousands of residents and disrupted airport activities, with fire crews working tirelessly to contain the situation.
In a major incident early on March 21, 2025, a fire erupted at the North Hyde substation, critically affecting power supply to Heathrow Airport and leaving over 16,000 homes in western London without electricity. The London Fire Brigade reported that five hours after the blaze began, they were still engaged in controlling the flames, which had engulfed half of a transformer at the facility located just two miles north of one of the world’s busiest airports. Fire officials warned that the situation would likely worsen as the morning approached, urging local residents to avoid the vicinity of the fire. "This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night," stated Pat Goulbourne, assistant commissioner for the London Fire Brigade. The fire brigade mobilized approximately 70 firefighters to tackle the blaze, which produced thick smoke visible across the area. In response to safety concerns, about 150 nearby residents were evacuated, and a substantial 650-foot cordon was established around the substation. Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials continuing to assess the situation as they work to restore safety and power in the affected regions.
