A large fire broke out at a recycling centre in Bermondsey, London, prompting an extensive response from the London Fire Brigade.
A significant fire erupted at the Landmann Way Reuse and Recycling Centre in Bermondseysouth Londonon Monday evening. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched 15 fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters to combat the blaze, which was first reported around 5:30 PM.
The fire, which involved a large amount of refuse and a warehouse unit, was brought under control shortly before midnight. However, firefighting operations are expected to continue overnight to fully extinguish the fire and address remaining hotspots. There are currently no reports of any injuries.
Extensive Firefighting Efforts in Bermondsey
The LFB utilized two of its 32-metre turntable ladders to fight the fire from above, highlighting the scale of the operation. Station Commander Wayne Bloomfieldwho attended the scene, described the incident as likely to be a protracted incidentwith crews remaining on site into the morning.
Residents in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the significant amount of smoke. Loose embers were also reported, a common occurrence during large fires. Residents were advised to pour water onto any loose embers and to call 999 immediately if a fire started.
Impact on Local Transportation
The fire caused major disruption to rail services, particularly affecting routes through London Bridge and Victoria. Trains to and from these stations faced delays, diversions, and cancellations. Commuters reported seeing thick smoke filling their train carriages as they passed the scene, with some passengers screaming in response to the intense situation.
The operator of the affected rail services urged passengers to check before traveling and consider delaying their journeys until the situation was resolved. The disruption was expected to last until around 10:30 PM.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The Southwark Council issued updates to the community, advising residents to keep windows and doors closed. The LFB also emphasized the importance of safety measures, including the use of water to extinguish any loose embers and immediate reporting of any fires.
Dramatic images and footage captured the intensity of the fire, with thick plumes of smoke rising above the London skyline. The smoke was visible from various parts of the city, including Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogsunderscoring the scale of the incident.
As the firefighting efforts continue, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The LFB and other emergency services are working diligently to ensure the safety of the community and to minimize the impact of the blaze.
