Blaze Breaks Out at Bellingham Scrap Yard After Lithium Battery Ignites
A fire tore through a scrap metal yard in Bellingham yesterday, sparked by a lithium battery caught up in the waste. Emergency services raced to the scene on Randlesdown Road after the blaze was reported at 5:33 PM.
Scrap Yard Fire Rips Through Containers and Skips
The fierce fire damaged half of two ISO containers, part of a flatbed lorry, and two skips, covering an area three metres by three metres. Firefighters used a 32-metre turntable ladder as an observation tower to get the flames under control by 6:43 PM.
Paramedics treated a man at the scene, but his condition remains undisclosed.
Multiple Fire Crews Respond to Smoke Plumes
The 999 call centre received 29 calls as thick smoke billowed above the yard. Fire crews from Lewisham, Forest Hill, and Beckenham stations all responded swiftly. The London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire was accidental, pointing to a lithium battery as the likely cause.
Warnings Over Lithium Battery Fire Risks Grow
“Lithium-ion battery fires are a major risk,” warned a London Fire Brigade spokesperson. “We’ve seen a growing number of fires at waste disposal sites believed to start from these batteries. Even high-standard batteries can ignite if damaged or crushed.”
The brigade highlighted the ferocious speed at which lithium battery fires spread, posing huge challenges for firefighters and causing significant environmental and social disruption.
Public Urged to Dispose of Lithium Batteries Safely
Authorities issued fresh warnings against dumping lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish or recycling bins. The London Fire Brigade advises people to check with local retailers or official websites for safe disposal options to avoid further fire hazards.
This dramatic blaze is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improper electronic waste disposal—especially lithium-ion batteries—and the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures.
