Emergency services were called to a power substation in Nestles Avenue, Hayes, around 11.30pm yesterday (March 20) after the transformer caught light.
The fire service finally brought the fire under control eight hours later around 7.45am the next day.
London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith said 29 people were safely evacuated from properties near to the substation fire.
A further 150 people were evacuated to a rest centre following the incident.
Fire safety and fire investigation officers are working with scientific advisers and the Metropolitan Police to investigate the cause of the fire, Mr Smith told broadcasters.
He added: “I would like to conclude by taking this opportunity to thank firefighters and control officers for their courage and professionalism to bring this incident under control, in what were very challenging circumstances.”
No injuries have been reported in the incident.
READ ALSO:
A nearby resident said she heard a “massive explosion” just before midnight.
All the power went off, she said, adding that she could see a “massive fire” through a front window.
“It just smelled like burning,” she said, adding that it was difficult to work out where exactly the fire was.
The Metropolitan Police said its Counter Terrorism Command was leading the investigation into the fire at an electrical substation in west London “given the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure.”
A spokesperson for the Met Police said there was “no indication of foul play” but detectives “retain an open mind” over the cause.
The spokesperson said: “We are working with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire which remains under investigation. While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time.
“Given the location of the substation and the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading enquiries.
“This is due to the specialist resources and capabilities within that command that can assist in progressing this investigation at pace to minimise disruption and identify the cause.”
