More than 100 firefighters are battling a major fire at a recycling centre in Bermondsey, southeast London, which erupted on Monday afternoon.
Why it matters: The fire has caused widespread disruption, affecting local residents and transportation services. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors due to heavy smoke.
Fifteen fire engines were deployed to the scene on Landmann Way, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responding to multiple reports of the blaze just after 5:30 PM.
Two 32-metre turntable ladders were utilized as water towers to tackle the flames from above, illustrating the scale of the incident.
Local residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed to mitigate the effects of the smoke, which is visible across London.
Driving the news: The first calls about the fire were received at 5:32 PM, with the LFB confirming an active incident by 5:58 PM. Crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road, and Greenwich were mobilized to assist.
As of 6:36 PM, there were no train services to or from Charing Cross, with delays also reported at Cannon Street and diversions to and from Victoria.
Thameslink announced that all lines between London Bridge and Dartford were blocked, causing severe disruptions to commuter travel.
State of play: Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Ambulances have been spotted heading toward the blaze, though no medical emergencies related to the fire have been confirmed.
Southwark Council has echoed the fire brigade's safety warnings, emphasizing the importance of public safety during this emergency.
The big picture: The recycling centre fire has drawn attention for its impact on local residents and for the challenges it poses to emergency services.
Smoke from the blaze has created visibility issues in the surrounding area and has been reported as a concern across various parts of London.
Southeastern Railway stated that tickets would be accepted on alternative transport options, including the London Underground, Elizabeth Line, and DLR, to help affected passengers.
What they're saying: Local officials and the fire brigade continue to monitor the situation closely.
"We hope everyone in the area is safe," Southwark Council said, reinforcing the need for residents to heed safety advisories.
Passengers have been advised to check their travel plans and expect delays, with Southeastern Railway indicating that diversions may continue for some time.
By the numbers: The scale of the operation reflects the seriousness of the situation.
Over 100 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the fire, supported by 15 fire engines.
The LFB deployed two specialized 32-metre turntable ladders to manage the extensive blaze effectively.
What's next: Fire crews are expected to remain on the scene for an extended period as they work to fully extinguish the fire and assess any damage.
Authorities will continue to provide updates on the situation, including any changes to transport services and safety recommendations for local residents.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, the community and officials await more information on what led to this major incident.