Huge recycling centre fire seen for miles across London

Huge plumes of smoke can be seen for miles over south London after a waste dump fire brought rush hour to a standstill.

Thick black smoke poured out of a recycling centre between London Bridge and Dartford shutting all lines between the stations on Monday evening.

A train driver told passengers the fire erupted at a recycling plant around 5.30pm.

Commuters stuck at London Bridge reported a ‘strong smell of burning around the station’.

Grace Greenwood, who was passing through London Bridge on the 6.10pm service, told Metro: ‘I’m glad to report the train windows were shut so thankfully I couldn’t smell anything.

‘However, the smoke was visible from quite a way before we went past the fire.

‘The man next to me pointed it out from well before London Bridge.

‘As we went past there were still large visible flames and firefighters tackling it.

‘Thankfully, my journey wasn’t affected but it definitely caught the attention of everyone on board. Hopefully everyone at the scene is ok.’

Around 100 firefighters tackled the fire on Landmann Way in Bermondsey.

Speaking from the scene Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, said: ‘Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse at a recycling centre. The fire is also affecting a warehouse unit.

‘Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

‘Loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents are advised to pour water onto them if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they do catch something alight, don’t hesitate to call 999.

‘This is likely to be a protracted incident, with crews remaining on scene into the morning.’

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.’

A Thameslink spokesperson added: ‘Due to a fire on the property near the railway between London Bridge and Dartford.

‘All lines are blocked between these stations.’

Normal rail services had resumed by Tuesday morning.

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