Large fire near Wembley Stadium disrupts tube and rail services

A large fire at a waste transfer facility in north-west London disrupted public transport and forced the evacuation of a nearby warehouse, prompting a response from approximately 125 firefighters.

The blaze broke out at an industrial estate on Hannah Close in Neasden, located less than a mile from Wembley Stadium. The incident caused widespread travel disruption across the capital's transport network. Transport for London suspended the entire Metropolitan line and halted service on the Jubilee line between Wembley Park and West Hampstead, while reporting severe delays on the remainder of the Jubilee line. National Rail services into London Marylebone were also affected. A nearby Amazon warehouse, separate from the burning facility, was evacuated as a precaution.

The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the incident at 11:36 a.m., sending 20 fire engines to combat the blaze inside an industrial unit measuring roughly 100 metres by 150 metres.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick outlined the scale of the response.

"Upon arrival, firefighters were met by a well-developed fire involving a waste transfer facility," Pennick said. "Recognising the scale of the fire, the initial officer in attendance immediately requested 20 fire engines be mobilised to the scene."

Pennick noted that around 125 firefighters were on site at the height of the blaze.

"This is a protracted incident that will see crews on scene for the remainder of the day as they work to fully extinguish the fire," he added.

Fire officials confirmed that the blaze was brought under control by approximately 5:00 p.m. Firefighters remained at the location into the evening to fully extinguish the fire and dampen remaining hot spots. The cause of the blaze is not yet known and remains under investigation.

The Neasden incident represents the third major fire at a waste and recycling facility in London this summer. Earlier in the month, around 100 firefighters responded to a blaze in Deptford involving approximately 50 tonnes of stored household waste.

The outbreak comes amid heightened industry concern regarding fires at waste processing plants. According to data from the Environmental Services Association, incorrectly discarded lithium batteries, such as those found in electronic vapes, cause more than 10 fires a week at waste facilities across the country. These battery-related incidents are estimated to cost one billion pounds annually and continue to present significant operational challenges for regional fire brigades.