A trackside grass fire erupted near Scrubs Lane in Kensal Green, North Kensington on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 16:06 BST, causing a major disruption to train services serving Heathrow Airport. The blaze led to an electricity supply failure that blocked all rail lines between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.
Approximately 380 passengers were safely evacuated from an Elizabeth Line train that lost power due to the fire. The London Fire Brigade deployed six fire engines and around 40 firefighters, bringing the fire under control by 16:26 BST, according to a spokesperson. The electricity failure halted Heathrow Express and Elizabeth
Line services starting Saturday afternoon.
The British Transport Police arrested a man on suspicion of arson linked to the trackside fire. The suspect was later released on bail pending further inquiry. National Rail confirmed that the lines between Paddington and Heathrow remained blocked following the fire, with Great Western Railway canceling or revising services to Reading as the affected infrastructure required extensive repairs.
Service Resumption and Ongoing Delays
Train services resumed on Sunday, September 6, but delays persisted throughout the day and into Monday, September 7. The Elizabeth Line operated a reduced schedule of two trains per hour to and from Heathrow Terminal 5, while
the Heathrow Express ran a diminished frequency service. Passengers were advised to allow additional travel time and use the Piccadilly Line as an alternative route to reach Heathrow Airport, with free interchange allowed between terminals.
Great Western Railway reported running a good service after the disruption but acknowledged that the damage to electrical distribution equipment near Kensal Green was severe and repairs were ongoing. Service disruptions affecting Heathrow Airport routes were expected at least until the end of Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Related Heathrow Airfield Fire and Impact
Earlier on the same day, a separate grass fire occurred on Heathrow’s airfield, temporarily shutting the southern runway
and causing at least two flight diversions. Heathrow Airport advised passengers to factor in extra journey time due to the combined impact on both air and rail operations.
The disruptions highlight the vulnerability of the rail and airport infrastructure to trackside fires, with significant consequences for passengers traveling to and from Heathrow. Transport for London assisted with passenger evacuation and provided guidance on alternative travel options during the incident.
In summary, the grass fire at Scrubs Lane led to an electricity failure, causing suspension and reductions of key train services between London Paddington and Heathrow. Emergency services responded promptly, and
while partial service resumed, delays remained severe days after the fire.
“The Brigade’s Control officers received the call alerting them at 1606, and the incident was over by 1626,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said. A Great Western Railway representative noted, “Unfortunately the damage is quite severe so this is taking time.”
