What caused the fire at IKEA Wembley?

This morning, a fire broke out at the IKEA furniture store located in Wembley, London, prompting an immediate evacuation and a large emergency response. At approximately 10:35 am, the London Fire Brigade received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames rising from the building’s roof. By 10:48 am, eyewitnesses had shared images showing thick black smoke pouring from the store, signaling the severity of the blaze.

One social media user posted a photo captioned, “Fire just broken out at IKEA Wembley,” while another on X (formerly Twitter) posted similarly, writing: “Wembley IKEA’s on fire!” The visuals were striking, with dark smoke plumes contrasting sharply against the sky. The posts quickly spread, drawing the attention of both local authorities and the public.

London Fire Brigade confirmed that the IKEA building had been evacuated safely, and no injuries have been publicly reported as yet. Firefighters were dispatched from multiple nearby stations, including Park Royal, Willesden, North Kensington, and Wembley itself. In total, about five fire engines and a team of roughly 30 firefighters responded to the scene.

A key focus of the fire response was on solar panels installed on the store’s roof, which reportedly caught fire and intensified the blaze. To access the high points, crews also deployed a 32-metre turntable ladder to assist with overhead water streams and to inspect the extent of damage from above.

Control officers noted that although the fire’s cause remains unknown at this time, the response was swift and coordinated. The initial call was just one in a total of 11 reports made to the fire brigade. Upon arrival, crews immediately began assessments of structural stability, fire spread risk, and hazard from rooftop installations.

In a statement, the Fire Brigade explained that the building was large, commercial in scale, and had solar installations that complicate firefighting efforts. The roof blaze created additional risks, including potential sheet-metal collapse or electrical hazards. Because solar panels complicate traditional roof suppression tactics, firefighters pursued a cautious, methodical approach.

At this stage, investigations are underway to determine the fire’s origin. Fire officials will examine internal systems, wiring, roofing materials, and equipment installed on the roof (such as solar arrays). They will also gather witness statements and review CCTV footage to piece together the sequence of events.

The public is advised to avoid the area around Drury Way in Wembley until the fire is fully contained and the site is cleared. Nearby roads may remain closed temporarily, and smoke might drift into adjacent zones, so residents and passersby should stay clear.

This incident raises renewed concerns about fire safety in buildings with rooftop solar installations — a growing trend in commercial constructions. While solar panels bring sustainability benefits, they also demand careful integration of fire mitigation measures and emergency access.

As the investigation proceeds, IKEA and local authorities are expected to issue formal statements. In the meantime, the safety of staff, customers, and responders remains the top priority.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Were there any injuries reported in the IKEA Wembley fire?
A: As of now, no injuries have been confirmed. The building was fully evacuated prior to firefighting operations being underway.

Q: What caused the fire at IKEA Wembley?
A: The cause remains under investigation. The fire involved rooftop solar panels, which may have contributed, but no definitive origin has been confirmed.

Q: Are solar panels on rooftops more dangerous in fires?
A: They can introduce additional hazards — electrical risks, fire spread across array modules, and limited roof access for firefighters — which complicates suppression efforts.

Q: How many fire crews responded to the blaze?
A: Around five fire engines and ~30 firefighters were dispatched, supported by a 32-metre turntable ladder. Multiple fire stations responded.

Q: Will the store be able to reopen soon?
A: That depends on the damage assessment and investigation outcome. Structural integrity, repairs, and safety re-certification must take place first.

Q: What safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents?
A: Measures include fire-resistant roofing, proper electrical safety design for solar panels, integrated alarms, sprinkler systems, routine inspections, and accessible roof paths for firefighters.