A thousand flights cancelled

On the night of March 20, 2025, a massive fire erupted at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, west London, leading to the unprecedented shutdown of Heathrow Airport. The blaze, fueled by approximately 6600 gallons of transformer cooling oil, posed a significant threat to the surrounding area and critical infrastructure. 

Emergency services were alerted at 11:23 p.m., and the London Fire Brigade responded swiftly, deploying 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to the scene. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne praised the firefighters for their yeoman efforts in challenging conditions, stating that they worked diligently to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.  

The firefighters established a 200-meter safety cordon and evacuated approximately 150 residents from nearby properties to ensure public safety. Their coordinated response prevented the fire from spreading further, safeguarding both lives and infrastructure. 

Heathrow Airport’s own fire service, trained to handle a range of emergencies from runway incidents to terminal fires, played a crucial role in managing the situation. Equipped with advanced firefighting equipment and extensive training facilities, including a fire simulator equivalent to the size of a Boeing 747, they are prepared for many scenarios. 

The fire led to a significant power outage, affecting over 16,300 homes and causing the cancellation of more than a thousand flights, disrupting travel for approximately 200,000 passengers. Despite the scale of the incident, there were no reported injuries, a testament to the effective emergency response and the dedication of the firefighting teams involved. 

As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters remain a focal point of commendation. Their actions not only contained a potentially catastrophic situation but also exemplified the critical role of emergency services in protecting public safety and infrastructure.