UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Dozens of firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) are battling a significant blaze within an underground electrical tunnel in central London’s Holborn area. Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters have been deployed to the scene on Theobalds Road near Southampton Row, with the operation expected to be prolonged due to the complex and hazardous nature of the fire.
Underground Fire in Holborn Ignites Emergency Response
A major fire erupted within an underground utilities tunnel at the junction of Theobalds Road and Southampton Row in central London, prompting a large-scale emergency response. According to ITV News London, smoke was seen billowing from beneath the street, signalling the seriousness of the incident. The London Fire Brigade swiftly mobilised ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters to tackle the blaze, with no injuries reported so far.
Challenging Conditions Due to Electrical Infrastructure
Station commander Paul Morgan of the London Fire Brigade detailed to The Independent that initial response teams encountered a fire involving high-voltage electrical cables beneath street level. This hazardous environment necessitated the arrival of additional resources beyond the initial six fire engines and 40 firefighters to safely and effectively combat the fire underground. The total number of fire engines was increased to ten as the nature of the fire made extinguishing efforts complex and potentially lengthy.
Impact on Central London Transport and Public Safety Measures
The fire has caused significant disruption in central London, with multiple road closures and an established safety perimeter around the affected area. Several bus routes have been diverted to avoid the vicinity. The London Fire Brigade and emergency services are working closely with partner organisations to manage the situation and minimise disruption. The public is advised to avoid the area if possible for safety reasons and to facilitate firefighting efforts.
Scale and Response Highlighted by Multiple Media
The Sun reported that nearly 100 firefighters were involved in the operation, with photos showing thick columns of smoke obscuring the central London street scene. The emergency control centre reportedly received at least 18 calls from members of the public alerting to the fire. Fire crews from various London boroughs including Islington and Lambeth are assisting with firefighting efforts, underscoring the scale of the response.
Cause and Next Steps
As of the latest updates, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations presumably underway to determine the source. The London Fire Brigade has stressed the difficulty inherent in tackling fires within underground electrical tunnels, indicating this operation may continue for some time until it is fully resolved.