Waste fire at London recycling centre disrupts rail services and triggers health warnings

A major fire at a waste facility in southeast London on August 18 caused significant disruption to rail services and prompted public health warnings as firefighters worked overnight to contain the blaze. The incident, which involved approximately 50 tonnes of household waste, occurred at a recycling centre on Landmann Way in Deptford, near railway lines serving London Bridge station.

The London Fire Brigade reported receiving the first of over 160 calls about the fire at 7:59 p.m. Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene from stations including East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, and Deptford. Station Commander Duncan Rees, speaking from the scene, described crews working in difficult conditions, utilizing a 32-meter ladder and a 64-meter ladder as water towers to tackle the flames from above. Officials warned the incident would be protracted, with firefighting operations expected to continue through the night.

The fire produced a large volume of smoke, leading authorities to urge local residents to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area. The blaze also forced the closure of all rail lines between London Bridge and New Cross, causing...