Neasden waste facility fire disrupts London transport

A major fire at a mixed waste facility in Neasden, northwest London, prompted a large-scale emergency response on Friday, August 28, 2026, and caused severe disruption to the city's transport network. The blaze, located on Hannah Close near Wembley Stadium, was first reported to the London Fire Brigade at 11:34 BST.

The London Fire Brigade mobilized 20 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters to the scene, supported by specialized equipment including multiple 32-meter turntable ladders, a drone team, and high-volume pumps. Crews from Wembley, Park Royal, Willesden, and surrounding stations were dispatched. The brigade received more than 70 emergency calls reporting the fire, which involved an industrial unit measuring roughly 100 meters by 150 meters. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Thick, dark smoke billowed across the skyline, leading the London Fire Brigade to issue urgent safety advisories. Residents and businesses in the immediate area were instructed to keep all windows and doors closed and to remain indoors where possible due to the large volume of smoke being produced.

The fire and resulting smoke plumes severely impacted the London Underground network....