About 100 firefighters are currently engaged in battling a significant fire that has erupted in a nine-storey mixed-use building located on Wood Lane in London’s White City. According to the London Fire Brigade, 15 fire engines have been deployed to the scene, and the blaze is predominantly affecting the upper floors of the structure. To tackle the fire from height, crews are utilising two 32-metre turntable ladders as makeshift water towers. The incident was first reported shortly after 3am, prompting an immediate response from fire stations across Hammersmith, North Kensington, Kensington, Chiswick, and surrounding areas.

In light of the ongoing emergency, Wood Lane has been closed to traffic, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity. At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations yet to determine what sparked the blaze.

This incident echoes broader concerns about fire safety in London’s high-rise buildings, particularly following high-profile fires in the city. While this particular building is described as mixed-use, it is worth noting previous incidents involving cladding materials, such as those seen in the Grenfell Tower disaster. Firefighters have on occasion faced challenges when battling flames that spread rapidly due to unsafe cladding. However, there is no current information confirming the use of such materials at the White City site.

The scale of the response, with around 100 firefighters attending alongside numerous fire engines, marks this fire as a major operation. Comparable incidents in West London recently involved large-scale deployment of fire crews due to warehouse or residential fires. For instance, a large warehouse blaze required about 75 to 80 firefighters and multiple engines, highlighting the complex logistics often involved in urban fire emergencies.

Officials continue to manage the scene, prioritising containment and safety. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, but the situation remains fluid. As investigations proceed to ascertain the cause and containment progress, residents and commuters in White City are advised to remain clear of the affected area for their safety.

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Source: Noah Wire Services