'You can taste and smell the smoke in the air' - 5,000 households left without power after Heathrow substation fire

Vulnerable residents have been left without power following a fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Airport will be closed all day with more than 1,300 flights facing disruption.

Stansted, Gatwick, Luton and London City Airports are all operating as normal. Some flights have been redirected to Gatwick.

Counter-terrorism police have launched a ‘routine investigation’. Investigators continue to believe the fire was not the result of a deliberate act, but stress inquiries are at an early stage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I know the situation in Heathrow is causing distress and disruption, especially for those travelling or without power in their homes. I'm receiving regular updates and I'm in close contact with partners on the ground. Thanks to our emergency workers for keeping people safe.”

The Local Democracy reporting service is on the ground in Hayes, where residents have been left without power.

67,000 households faced power outages as a result of the blaze, 5,000 are still left without.

John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington tells me he is concerned about the council response. He says he has asked the council to knock on doors and check on vulnerable residents.

A mum, with young children told the Local Democracy Service that she’s not had any support or heard anything from Hillingdon Council.

London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner Johnathan Smith says 10% remains on fire. He says scientific advisors say the air quality is safe - however smoke is still rising.

It is reported that counter-terrorism police will be part of the investigation into the Hayes fire near Heathrow Airport to examine if sabotage played a part. It is understood to be precautionary rather than an indication or foul play.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “Heathrow Airport is closed today due to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The fire is having a significant impact on the local area with the airport closed, other business closed and homes left without power.

“I know this will be hugely frustrating for many of thousands expecting to travel to and from Heathrow today, the families who have had their power cut and the commuters who have had their journeys disrupted.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services who have been working hard overnight to tackle the fire and I remain in close contact with them, as I have been overnight. Thankfully there are no reports of any injuries.

“Electricity suppliers are working hard to restore power, but Heathrow have said they will be closed all day and has warned of significant disruption over the coming days. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport under any circumstances and I urge Londoners to follow the advice of emergency services and their travel providers. “

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