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Holborn Tunnel Fire: Black Smoke Chokes London
26 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A fire broke out in an underground utilities tunnel on Theobolds Road.
- Ten fire engines and seventy firefighters responded to the incident.
- Significant disruption occurred with road closures and diversions.
Central London experienced severe disruption today as a fire ignited in an underground tunnel. Thick black smoke blanketed the Holborn district, prompting a large-scale response from the London Fire Brigade. Emergency services deployed ten fire engines and around seventy firefighters to tackle the blaze, which affected electrical cables.
Firefighting crews are currently working to control the situation, with station commander Paul Morgan indicating it is likely to be a protracted incident. The fire has led to multiple road closures and the establishment of a safety cordon, significantly impacting local transport, including bus routes which have been diverted.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. The London Fire Brigade has advised the public to stay away from the Holborn area to allow emergency services to operate effectively. This is an ongoing developing story.
