Thick plumes of黑色 smoke billowed across the south London skyline on Monday evening as around 100 firefighters fought a major blaze at a recycling centre on Landmann Way, Bermondsey. The fire, which broke out shortly after 5.30pm, triggered severe disruption to rail services in and out of London Bridge, with trains cancelled, diverted or running at reduced speed.
Fifteen fire engines and two 32-metre turntable ladders were deployed to tackle the flames from above, the London Fire Brigade said. Crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding stations rushed to the scene after multiple reports of a fire. Images posted on social media showed huge clouds of smoke rising into the air, prompting residents to be advised to keep windows and doors closed.
“100 firefighters battle Bermondsey recycling plant blaze causing severe rail disruption on services to London Bridge.”
Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, at the scene, said: “Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse at a recycling centre. Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.” He added that residents should pour water on loose embers near their properties and “don’t hesitate to call 999” if they catch something alight. “This is likely to be a protracted incident, with crews remaining on scene into the morning,” Bloomfield said.
The fire caused immediate chaos for commuters. A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We apologise for the delay to your journey this evening. Due to a large fire in a recycling centre adjacent to the tracks in the New Cross area, there are severe delays on services in the south London area this evening and trains may be diverted to alternative London terminals.” They confirmed a major incident had been declared by the fire brigade. Southeastern said trains were diverted via alternate routes, with no services to or from Charing Cross and delays to Cannon Street. Thameslink reported all lines between London Bridge and Dartford blocked, advising passengers to allow an extra 30 minutes. Ticket acceptance was in place on London Underground services.
By late evening, the fire was under control, the London Fire Brigade confirmed. A spokesperson said: “There are currently no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.” Crews remained on scene overnight to damp down remaining hotspots, with a Hose Layer Unit deployed to support water supply. Southwark Council said: “We hope everyone in the area is safe.”