Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have attended a fire at an electrical substation on Aberdeen Place in Maida Vale.
Firefighters discovered an electrical transformer that was alight. Crews have worked diligently to extinguish the fire safely.
The fire also affected the roof and a flat of a neighbouring residential block. Firefighters have worked professionally to contain this part of the fire and bring it under control. A flat in another building was also partially damaged.
Around 100 people were evacuated from surrounding buildings and a rest centre was set up by the local authority. The majority of residents have now been able to return home. There have been no reports of any injuries. The Brigade's Community Engagement team have been in close contact with the council's resilience team and is available to provide support as required. UK Power Networks confirms the fire has not interrupted power supplies.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: "This was a very visible fire with Control Officers taking over 170 calls. The fire was producing a lot of smoke and we advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed. One of our scientific advisors has also been on site and closely monitored the air quality in the area. Around 100 residents were evacuated from their homes but some have now returned.
"Due to the fire involving a high-profile piece of infrastructure that was affecting nearby residential buildings, a major incident was declared by London Fire Brigade at 0826. I am pleased to report that this declaration was stood down at 1053.
"However, firefighting operations continued throughout the day on the transformer at the substation. To combat this technically complex fire, crews have been deploying foam to suppress the flames. The foam works by smothering the fire and cutting off its fuel source, preventing reignition."
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders has been used at the scene to tackle the fire from above. The Brigade’s drone team were also in attendance helping to provide the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the incident.
The Brigade was called at 0529 and the incident was brought under control by 1214. Fire crews from Paddington, Euston, North Kensington, Willesden, West Hampstead, Soho and surrounding fire stations have been in attendance.
The Brigade is working closely with UK Power Networks and the Metropolitan Police to investigate the cause of the fire.