Major Recycling Centre Fire in Southall Causes Travel Disruption Across West London
Emergency Response to Johnson Street Blaze
On 11 January 2026, a significant fire broke out at a recycling centre on Johnson Street in Southall, west London, requiring a major emergency response. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the fire, which involved around 15 tonnes of mixed recycling ablaze. The Brigade was first called about the incident at 5.33pm, with crews mobilised from Southall, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding fire stations.
Transport Networks Affected by Smoke
The fire’s impact extended beyond the immediate vicinity, causing significant disruption to London’s transport infrastructure. Due to smoke travel from the fire, the nearby Great Western Main Line has been partially closed as a precaution whilst crews respond. Rail services out of London Paddington faced delays whilst emergency services dealt with the incident. Dramatic footage shared on social media captured a fireball exploding upward amid heavy smoke, highlighting the intensity of the blaze visible from neighbouring areas.
Investigation Ongoing, No Casualties Reported
No injuries were reported from the incident, a positive outcome given the scale of the fire. The cause of the fire is not known at this time, and investigations will continue to determine what sparked the blaze. This incident follows another major fire in Southall in late November 2025, when a warehouse fire on Bridge Road was declared a major incident due to the presence of fireworks and cylinders.
Significance for Local Communities
The Southall recycling centre fire underscores the inherent risks associated with waste management facilities, where large quantities of combustible materials are stored. For local residents and commuters, such incidents serve as reminders of the vital importance of fire safety protocols at industrial sites. The swift response by the London Fire Brigade prevented the blaze from spreading to surrounding properties, demonstrating the critical role emergency services play in protecting communities from potentially catastrophic events.