A stray firework is believed to have sparked a major blaze that tore through a row of terraced shops and flats in Southall in the early hours of Wednesday (22 October 2025) morning.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to North Road at 1.31am after flames up to ten metres high were seen at the rear of the terrace. The fire was brought under control by 3.43am.
Two people were rescued from a first-floor flat by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, using an external staircase. Around 40 residents evacuated nearby properties before crews arrived. Fifteen people have been temporarily displaced as a result of the blaze, though no injuries were reported.
The fire destroyed an annex at the back of the terrace, where it started, and caused damage to two shops and a flat above one of them. Several neighbouring properties suffered smoke damage. Firefighters also removed and cooled four propane cylinders to prevent explosions.
An LFB spokesperson said the fire appeared to have been accidental, caused by a stray firework that melted through the roof of a storage annex. They said: “This incident shows the devastating damage fireworks can cause when they’re not used safely.”
The Brigade has urged locals to attend organised displays rather than setting off fireworks at home and repeated its advice to follow the Fireworks Code and ensure fireworks are purchased from reputable, licensed sellers.
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