Train operations to and from Heathrow Airport were completely suspended on September 5, 2026, after a trackside grass fire caused an electricity supply failure. The fire started shortly after 16:00 BST and blocked all rail lines between London Paddington station, Heathrow terminals, and Reading, stopping services abruptly.
Emergency Response and Train Service Status
The London Fire Brigade deployed six fire engines and around 40 crew members to combat the blaze near Scrubs Lane in North Kensington. The fire was extinguished late on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, Great Western Railway canceled all services to Reading, and no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line trains ran between Paddington and Heathrow
on Saturday night, as reported by Network Rail Western.
Impact on Passengers and Ongoing Disruption
Passengers were stranded at London Paddington station, one of London’s central rail hubs, with disrupted rail access to Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport advised travelers to allow extra time for journeys due to delays on the Piccadilly line. Network Rail Western warned that some rail services could remain delayed or canceled into Sunday morning, September 6, 2026, because displaced trains from Saturday’s disruption had not yet returned to normal schedules.
Separate Runway Fire and Official Statements
Earlier on the same day, a separate grass fire on Heathrow’s southern runway forced the runway’s closure and resulted in the diversion
of at least two flights. The airport apologized for the disruption and stated the fire was extinguished quickly. The Met Office’s Fire Severity Index rated the fire risk as “exceptional” in parts of London including Heathrow. According to National Rail, “major disruption” was expected until the end of Saturday due to the electrical failure caused by the trackside fire. Network Rail Western confirmed the fire’s extinguishing but noted ongoing disruption was likely to extend into Sunday morning. The London Fire Brigade highlighted its substantial response with six fire engines and some 40 personnel tackling the blaze near Scrubs Lane.
