Recycling plant fire causes severe rail disruption

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Aurelia FosterLondon

PA Media A view from Masthouse Terrace boat stop, on the Isle of Dogs as smoke rises into the sky from a fire at the Landmann Way Reuse and Recycling Centre in Bermondsey, south London

A blaze at a recycling plant in south London has caused major rail disruption in the area, Network Rail has said.

About 100 firefighters were called to Landmann Way, Bermondsey, just after 17:30 BST. Fifteen engines and turntable ladders were being used to tackle the flames from above, London Fire Brigade said.

Images posted on social media show large clouds of smoke rising into the air. Residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Rail services in and out of London Bridge, including some by Southeastern and Thameslink, were expected to face disruption until the end of the day, Network Rail said.

Video taken from a train shows a large plume of smoke in Bermondsey

PA Media A general view of a fire at the Landmann Way Reuse and Recycling Centre in Bermondsey, south London. — Fire crews are likely to remain at the scene throughout the night

London Fire Brigade said on X that crews would be working overnight to extinguish the fire.

It said "steady progress" was being made and firefighters were working closely with site staff to target the remaining areas of fire.

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 said residents should pour water on loose embers if close to 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 added.

PA Media Silhouette of a firefighter in a raised mechanical crane platform spraying a stream of water downwards against a thick blanket of smoke. The bright sun glows through the hazy, orange sky above the dark silhouette of a building. — The LFB said crews were expected to be tackling the blaze overnight

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 said a major incident had been declared by the fire brigade and that trains were running at reduced speed in the area.

"Trains are subject to delay, diversion and cancellation this evening," the spokesperson said.

"Ticket acceptance is in place and you may use your ticket at no extra cost on London Underground services between London terminals.

"We are working in collaboration with London Fire Brigade and will keep passengers updated as we receive more information."

PA Media Two firefighters in high-visibility protective gear stand in the basket of a turntable ladder, directing a water jet into a large hole in the charred, corrugated metal wall of an industrial building. Smoke billows from the damaged structure. — The fire took place at a recycling centre

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