A major London recycling fire caused significant travel disruption on Monday evening after flames tore through a recycling centre in Bermondsey.
Firefighters responded to the incident on Landmann Way shortly after 5:30pm. As the blaze intensified, thick smoke rose above south London and became visible across the surrounding area.
Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines attended the scene. Eventually, crews brought the fire under control shortly before midnight. However, firefighters continued working overnight to extinguish remaining hotspots.
The London recycling fire affected a large quantity of refuse and a warehouse building. Despite the scale of the incident, emergency services reported no injuries.
Residents near the site witnessed huge plumes of smoke drifting across the skyline. Consequently, the London Fire Brigade advised people to keep their windows and doors closed.
Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield praised the efforts of firefighters who worked throughout the evening. He also noted that loose embers had spread beyond the site. Therefore, officials urged residents to pour water on any embers that landed near their properties and contact emergency services if a fire started.
Meanwhile, the London recycling fire caused severe disruption to rail services near London Bridge station. Because of the fire’s location close to railway lines, operators suspended and diverted several services.
Passengers using services operated by Southeastern and Thameslink faced cancellations, delays, and route changes. In addition, some trains terminated early or skipped stations.
Rail officials advised passengers to avoid London Bridge and seek alternative travel options. Furthermore, authorities warned that services to and from London Charing Cross could also experience disruption.
Images and videos shared online showed firefighters battling intense flames while dense smoke billowed into the air. To strengthen firefighting efforts, crews deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders and attacked the blaze from above.
The London recycling fire remained one of the largest incidents attended by firefighters in the capital this week. As a result, emergency crews maintained a significant presence at the scene into Tuesday morning.
Fortunately, rail operators restored normal services by approximately 6:30am on Tuesday. Consequently, commuters experienced fewer disruptions during the morning rush hour.
Officials believe the affected recycling facility operates under Lewisham Council. However, investigators have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire.
Authorities continue to monitor the site while firefighters complete final safety checks. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the London recycling fire are expected to continue.
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