Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Car Fire Sends Smoke Billowing Over London
A dramatic vehicle fire at Heathrow Airport this morning sent plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky above London, causing significant disruption at one of the world's busiest travel hubs. The incident occurred outside Terminal 5 shortly after 8am on January 21, 2026, with emergency services rushing to the scene to contain the blaze.
Emergency Response and Traffic Disruption
The London Fire Brigade was immediately called to the scene, where firefighters worked to extinguish the flames engulfing the car. Emergency services temporarily stopped traffic in the area while attending to the fire, creating queues and disruption near the departures entrance. Footage from the scene shows the vehicle fully alight, parked close to a pedestrian crossing with traffic backing up behind it.
Social Media Footage Captures Dramatic Scenes
Multiple videos of the incident have been shared across social media platforms, with one onlooker posting footage showing the fire visible to passing traffic. The images reveal thick, dark smoke rising high above the airport buildings, creating a dramatic spectacle during the morning rush hour. Witnesses reported the fire beginning outside Terminal 5, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
At this stage, it remains unclear whether anyone was injured in the incident. Heathrow Airport has yet to release an official statement about the fire, while authorities continue to assess the situation. The London Fire Brigade has been contacted for further information about their response and any potential safety implications for travelers and airport staff.
Impact on Airport Operations
The fire occurred at a critical location outside one of Heathrow's main terminals, potentially affecting departure procedures and ground transportation. While the full extent of the disruption to airport operations is still being determined, such incidents typically require careful management to ensure passenger safety and minimize travel delays during peak hours.
