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Nearly 100 evacuated after substation fire spreads to block of flats – South London News
Almost 100 people were evacuated from their homes this morning after a fire at an electrical substation spread to a block of flats.
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze in Aberdeen Place, Maida Vale, where an electrical transformer has been alight since around 5.30am this morning.
The fire spread across the roof and a flat of a neighbouring residential block.
Around 100 people have been evacuated from surrounding buildings and a rest centre has been set up by Westminster council.
The blaze is now under control, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed, but firefighters remain at the scene to fully extinguish the flames.
A 32-metre turntable ladder is being used to tackle the fire from above whilst the LFB’s drone team is developing a greater situational awareness of the incident, the LFB said.
There have been no reports of any injuries at this time. UK Power Networks confirms the fire has not interrupted power supplies.
Due to the fire involving a high-profile piece of infrastructure that was affecting nearby buildings, a major incident was declared by the LFB at 8.26am. This was stood down at around 11am.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: “This was a very visible fire with Control Officers taking over 170 calls.
“The fire has also been producing a lot of smoke and although the amount of smoke has significantly reduced, we continue to advise residents to keep their windows and doors closed at this time.
“One of our scientific advisors is on site and is closely monitoring the air quality in the area.”
Some of the evacuated residents have now returned to their homes, Mr Goulbourne said.
The LFB is working with UK Power Networks and the Met Police to investigate the cause of the fire.
Pictured top: Firefighters at the scene of the blaze in Aberdeen Place, Maida Vale (Picture: LFB)