Massive Fire Erupts at Southwark Recycling Plant – 40 Firefighters Battle Blaze
A huge fire tore through a waste recycling facility on Devon Street, Southwark yesterday afternoon. Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines raced to the scene after the blaze engulfed a single-storey tipping hall filled with 300 tonnes of waste.
Swift Evacuation and Intense Firefighting Efforts
The emergency call came in at 12:31 PM, triggering an immediate response from fire crews at New Cross, Old Kent Road, Peckham, and Deptford. About 100 people evacuated the site safely before firefighters arrived, with no injuries reported.
Firefighters battled stubborn pockets of burning waste throughout the day. They worked alongside site staff, who used shovel loaders to clear smouldering piles, helping to douse the flames. Incident Commander Tom Ronan praised the teamwork:
“Firefighters worked hard to extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire within a pile of waste. We also worked closely with the site operator to put out the blaze with staff using shovel loaders to remove piles of recycling. Firefighters remained on the scene into the evening to fully extinguish the fire.”
Nearby residents were warned to keep windows and doors shut due to drifting smoke. Fire crews brought the fire under control by 5:46 PM.
Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Recycling Blaze
Investigators have pinpointed the cause: a defective lithium-ion battery thrown away with the rubbish sparked the inferno. The London Fire Brigade strongly warned about the dangers of dumping lithium batteries in household or recycling bins.
“Lithium batteries and electricals with hidden lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in the same bins as your regular rubbish or recycling. Instead, check with the retailer or your local authority’s website for the safest way to dispose of them.”
The spokesperson added that such fires are becoming more common and can rapidly explode, causing severe environmental damage and heavy demands on emergency services:
“These fires often require extensive resources to extinguish and can have significant environmental and societal impacts on local communities.”
Top Tips to Stay Safe – Dispose of Batteries Properly
- Never chuck lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish or recycling bins.
- Use official disposal points recommended by retailers or local councils.
- Check electrical goods carefully for hidden lithium batteries before binning them.
This fiery episode serves as a stark reminder: proper waste disposal isn’t just responsible—it’s vital for community safety.
