Fire in Southall Prompts Firework Safety Warning
Surge in incidents has taken place in recent weeks
A 32-metre turntable ladder was deployed as a water tower. Picture: London Fire Brigade
October 24, 2025
A fire that tore through a row of terraced shops and flats in Southall has prompted renewed safety warnings from the London Fire Brigade about the dangers of fireworks.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday 22 October at a mixed-use building on North Road. Flames reportedly reached ten metres high at the rear of the terrace, where the fire is believed to have started in a storage annex. Investigators say the cause was accidental — a stray firework is thought to have melted through the roof of the annex, igniting the structure.
Two people were rescued from a first-floor flat by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, using an external staircase. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Around 40 residents evacuated surrounding buildings before crews arrived, and 15 people have been temporarily displaced due to damage.
The annex was completely destroyed, and two shops sustained partial fire damage. The blaze also spread to a flat above one of the shops, with several adjoining properties affected by smoke. Four propane cylinders were removed and cooled as a precaution, due to the risk of explosion when exposed to heat.
Eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters from Southall, Ealing, and Hillingdon stations were mobilised after the first emergency call was received at 1:31am. The fire was brought under control by 3:43am, with a 32-metre turntable ladder deployed as a water tower to tackle the flames from above.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “This incident is evidence of the damage that can be caused when fireworks aren’t used safely. Our advice is to attend a safer, organised display instead of purchasing fireworks for use at home.”
The Brigade urged residents to follow the Fireworks Code, purchase only CE-marked fireworks from licensed sellers, and avoid setting them off near buildings, trees, or people. They also warned against handling fireworks after drinking alcohol and stressed the importance of safe disposal.
The Southall fire occurred during a surge in firework-related incidents across London, including:
- A house fire in Hayes
- A fire in a park in Ilford
- A tree alight in Hounslow
- Fireworks ignited on roundabouts in Wembley and Hayes
- Reports of misuse in South Harrow, Harlington, and Upton Park
- Smoke-related alarms triggered in Edmonton and leisure centres in Hounslow
The London Fire Brigade continues to monitor firework-related activity closely in the lead-up to Bonfire Night and Diwali, urging residents to prioritise safety and attend organised events where possible.
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