A massive fire has broken out at a waste facility near Wembley Stadium in northwest London, prompting a major emergency response. Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines are currently deployed to fight the blaze. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was alerted around 11:30 BST on Friday, August 28, that a blaze erupted at an industrial estate on Hannah Close in Neasden, less than a mile from the iconic Wembley Stadium. Smoke billows up thickly in dark smoke and is clearly visible from several miles away, even from Central London.
The factory complex has been measured by fire officials as about 100 by 150 meters (161,400 sq ft). More than 70 calls have been made regarding the fire, but the cause of the fire is not known. Transport for London (TfL) has suspended the entire Metropolitan line, while the Jubilee line is partially shut between Willesden Green and Wembley Park. National Rail services to and from London Marylebone are also hit by delays and cancellations due to blocked train lines to Aylesbury.
An official spokesperson said: "We're continuing to liaise with LFB to make sure we understand what we can operate safely for both our customers and staff." While no Amazon delivery center in the same industrial park has been directly affected, workers at the company have been evacuated as a safety measure. The firefighters are still working to control the fire, resulting in major disruptions to the capital's transportation system.
According to the LFB, residents in the surrounding area have been advised to stay indoors due to the heavy smoke. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and local authorities are monitoring air quality and structural safety in the industrial estate as emergency operations continue throughout the day.