Trains Disrupted by Southall Recycling Centre Fire
Fireball and huge smoke plume seen from local homes
Fireball observed from local residential streets. Picture: Visit Southall
January 12, 2026
A major fire at a recycling centre in Southall sent a huge plume of smoke across the area on Sunday evening (11 January), with residents reporting a visible fireball rising from the site as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to Johnson Street at 5.33pm after a large quantity of mixed recycling caught fire. The blaze involved around 15 tonnes of material at a commercial recycling facility located close to the Great Western Main Line and near several residential streets.
The intensity of the fire produced thick, dark smoke that could be seen across Southall and neighbouring districts. Some residents reported seeing a fireball erupt from the site as the flames took hold.
Because of the drifting smoke, the Great Western Main Line was partially closed as a precaution while crews remained on scene. Services between London Paddington, Heathrow and Reading were affected up until 8pm.
Firefighters from Southall, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding stations brought the fire under control by 8.35pm, though crews stayed on site to damp down remaining hotspots.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and an investigation is expected.
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