Key Points
- A large fire broke out in the multi-storey car park of the Stratford Westfield shopping centre, prompting a full evacuation.
- The incident occurred on September 13, 2025, causing disruption to shoppers and local transport services.
- Firefighters from London Fire Brigade quickly attended the scene to control and extinguish the blaze.
- No serious injuries have been reported, though several people were treated for smoke inhalation.
- Police and emergency services confirmed investigations are underway to establish the cause of the fire.
- The fire led to the temporary closure of key access roads and bus routes around the shopping centre.
- The management of Westfield Stratford issued statements urging public caution and providing updates on reopening plans.
What happened during the Stratford Westfield shopping centre fire?
As reported by Helen Carter of The Guardian, on the evening of September 13, 2025, a significant fire erupted in the multi-storey car park adjacent to the Stratford Westfield shopping centre. The blaze rapidly spread across several levels of the car park, sending thick plumes of smoke visible across the East London skyline. This development led to the immediate evacuation of the shopping complex to ensure public safety.
Fire crews from the London Fire Brigade responded promptly to emergency calls and were on the scene within minutes. Samuel Jones of BBC News noted that firefighters worked through the night to bring the situation under control, using high-powered hoses and aerial ladders to tackle flames engulfing vehicles parked inside. By early Saturday morning, the fire was largely contained, though crews continued dampening hotspots to prevent re-ignition.
How did emergency services manage the evacuation and fire control?
In an official statement quoted by Sarah Collins of the Evening Standard, London Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Jane Williams highlighted the swift and coordinated response that ensured no fatalities or severe injuries were reported. “Our teams acted decisively to evacuate shoppers and staff from the Westfield centre and manage nearby road closures to facilitate unobstructed fire operations,” she said.
Though no one suffered life-threatening injuries, some individuals were treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation. Police officers assisted with crowd control and secured the perimeter to keep the public at a safe distance. Transport for London implemented temporary service changes, rerouting buses and closing some streets around Stratford to support emergency access.
What is known about the cause of the fire?
Investigations into the origin of the fire are currently ongoing. The Metropolitan Police confirmed to reporter Helen Carter that a specialist fire investigation unit has been assigned to probe the cause. Early indications suggest no foul play, but authorities stress that it is too early to speculate and that a thorough examination is underway, including CCTV analysis and witness interviews.
Westfield Stratford’s management also released a statement, as quoted by Samuel Jones of BBC News, expressing their commitment to cooperating fully with emergency services and investigators. They reassured the public of their priority to resume normal operations safely and swiftly once assessments are complete.
How has the fire affected shoppers and local businesses?
The fire forced an abrupt closure of the shopping centre, disrupting hundreds of shoppers and local employees. Several retailers inside the complex have reported temporary suspension of operations due to safety concerns and restricted access. Sarah Collins of Evening Standard conveyed that some shops on the lower levels near the car park sustained smoke damage, necessitating clean-up and repairs before reopening.
Additionally, the disruption extended to public transport, as London buses serving the Stratford area were rerouted, and nearby roads were closed for several hours. Commuters have faced delays, although TfL confirmed measures are in place to resume normal service as soon as possible.
What official guidance has been given to the public and shoppers?
Westfield Stratford’s management advised shoppers to check their website and social media channels for real-time updates on centre access and opening times. As reported by The Guardian’s Helen Carter, the centre’s customer services team has been set up to handle inquiries and support affected patrons.
London Fire Brigade urged people to avoid the area while operations continue and reminded the public about fire safety precautions, especially around car parks and enclosed spaces. The Metropolitan Police appealed to witnesses who may have seen the fire start or have relevant information to come forward to assist the investigation.
What are the next steps in recovery and safety assessment?
The priority remains ensuring the safety of all visitors and staff and restoring full operations at Westfield Stratford. The structural integrity of the car park is being assessed by engineers to determine repair needs. Meanwhile, emergency responders will maintain a presence to monitor for any residual risks.
