Date: 24th September, 2025
Time: 19:31
Description: Firefighters are currently dealing with a large warehouse fire on the Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon.
At 7.31pm this evening, crews were called to reports of explosions at the industrial estate. We currently have 12 fire engines and specialist vehicles including an aerial ladder platform and water carriers on the scene. We also have support from our colleagues in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Services. Firefighters are working to get the fire under control and further updates will be shared when we have them.
Update 9.40pm
This incident remains ongoing. The fire is affecting one large commercial premises on the Groundwell Industrial Estate. Firefighters are using a water tower from the aerial ladder platform and ground monitors to extinguish the fire. A fire investigation officer is at the scene and an investigation into the cause will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.
Update 11.30pm
This incident remains ongoing. Power has been isolated in the local area to assist firefighters in dealing with the fire. We are told by SSE that they believe power will return by 1am. The fire has now been surrounded and at 1am, the incident will scale back to four fire engines and one aerial ladder platform overnight. An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun and will continue into tomorrow (25 Sept).
There is a smoke plume and local residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed while the incident is ongoing.
Update 25th Sept 7.15am
Firefighters have remained on scene throughout the night, dampening down and monitoring the incident. Three crews remain on scene this morning. An investigation into the cause of the fire will continue today.
Update 3.30pm
The incident has now been scaled back to one appliance and one aerial ladder platform from Mere and Swindon.
Update 4.20pm
Our colleagues are still at the incident at Groundwell Industrial Estate and we’re aware of some concern due to the potential of asbestos. We want to reassure the public that we believe this to be low risk, and precautions have been taken to avoid further spread of smoke and debris.
Firefighters are working hard to extinguish the fire, and we currently have one crew and an aerial ladder platform in attendance from Mere and Swindon.
If you suffer from any respiratory conditions, we advise you to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. As a precautionary measure, residents should not touch any debris that has fallen onto their private property or surrounding land and report this to Swindon Borough Council on 01793 445500.
Update 26th Sept 8.45am
Relief crews came in overnight from Marlborough and Swindon. Our stop came in 12.29am and a reinspection took place this morning where crews from Stratton extinguished remaining hotspots.
Update 29th Sept 4.30pm
The cause of the explosion and fire is believed to be accidental and due to the failure of a printing machine. Further investigations are now being undertaken by the Health & Safety Executive.
Location: Groundwell Industrial Estate, Crompton Road, Swindon, UK