100 Firefighters Tackle Fire As Blaze Near Heathrow Airport Forces Runway Changes

Around 100 firefighters were called out to tackle a grass fire that broke out in Feltham, near Heathrow Airport. You can see footage of the blaze here:

Videos shared on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, while planes were flying into land at the airport.

In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackled a grass fire on Hatton Road in Feltham.

“Around six hectares of land was alight, including standing crop, a field, parkland, grassland, a cemetery and an animal sanctuary. Three gas cylinders were cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.”

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Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were also called out to the scene, with a spokesperson saying: “We received a call this afternoon around 15.05pm to a report of a fire on Hatton Road, Feltham.

“One fire engine was sent, arriving at the scene around 15.15pm. Some grass had caught fire.

“The crew remain at the scene tackling the fire.”

Although the fire is near to the airport, it has not impacted scheduled flights. 

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Due to an off-airport fire, we have alternated our runways this afternoon. The fire is not impacting the operation and flights are continuing as scheduled.”

Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported and the smoke has now subsided, a spokesperson has said.

Station Commander John Owen, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters worked incredibly hard in hot and dry conditions to bring the fire under control. They are expected to remain on scene this evening turning over and damping down remaining small pockets of fire.

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"The fire was producing a large amount of smoke and residents in the local area, particularly around Bedfont Sports Club, were asked to keep their windows and doors closed. The smoke has now subsided.

"Around 10 people were evacuated as a precaution and thankfully, there are no reports of any injuries at this time.

"Good partnership working with local authorities and Heathrow Airport minimised the impact of the smoke on the airport in the early stages of the fire."

The London Fire Brigade said it received more than 40 calls in relation to the fire.

As yet, the cause of the fire has not been revealed and an investigation has been launched.