Fifteen fire engines and about 100 firefighters have been called to tackle a blaze at a waste facility on Landman Way in Deptford, southeast London. Local residents have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed where possible due to the large amount of smoke.
Fire crews battle blaze in difficult conditions
Station Commander Duncan Rees said: "Crews are working hard in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control. One of the Brigade’s 32m ladders and a 64m ladder are both being used as water towers to tackle the flames from above."
Footage online shows large plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, with the blaze seen for miles across London. Locals gathered around the facility to film the huge blaze on their mobile phones as flames ripped through the building.
Rail services disrupted
Rail services into London Bridge have been impacted. National Rail has said some lines between New Cross and London Bridge are currently blocked. Trains between these stations may be cancelled or delayed as crews remain on the scene, with disruption expected until the end of the day.
Passengers travelling between London Blackfriars and East Croydon have been advised to allow an extra 30 minutes to complete their journey. Services on this route are being diverted and will not call at London Bridge. Thameslink services running on the diversion route will be subject to delays of at least 15 minutes.
Cause of blaze unknown
The Brigade took the first of over 160 calls reporting the incident at 1959, and crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said the blaze involves about 50 tonnes of household waste stored at the facility. The cause of the blaze is unknown.
