The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that it deployed fifteen fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters to the blaze on Landmann Way in South East London after first receiving reports of a fire at 5:32pm.
Videos shared on social media appear to indicate that the fire started at Deptford Recycling Centre.
Avoid Surrey Canal Road and surrounding area due to a huge fire – looks like the business park pic.twitter.com/fEKT9zysv1
— Emma-Lou (@EL_James74) June 8, 2026
The site is listed as being operated by both Hinkcroft Transport Ltd (HTL) and CD Waste. Both companies have been approached for comment.
Despite some press reports, the fire is not thought to have occured at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) operated by Lewisham Council – which is further south on the street.
Fire now fully extinguished
The fire was reported by the LFB as “under control” at 11:37pm last night and has now been fully extinguished following an overnight operation.
The LFB deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders, a hose layer unit and a drone team.
Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who attended the scene, said: “Firefighters have worked hard overnight and have now fully extinguished this fire.
“At its height, the fire involved a large amount of refuse and the roof of a warehouse unit.
“Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Loose embers were also reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents were advised to pour water onto them if they were concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they did catch something alight, to call 999 immediately.”
Crews were deployed from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding fire stations.
Firefighters are working hard to tackle this fire at a recycling centre in #Bermondsey.
Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers to help extinguish the fire from above.
More information – https://t.co/pthO0wOAgq https://t.co/sNlignRff1 pic.twitter.com/A0ZB1PgFOj
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 8, 2026
Impact and cause
One man was treated on the scene by the London Ambulance Service, but no other injuries have been reported.
A van and a car were destroyed by the fire, alongside severe damage to the roof of a warehouse unit.
Several train services departing from London Bridge station were cancelled during peak hours, resulting in travel chaos for many.
While the cause of the fire is currently still under investigation, it was likely caused by a battery which had ended up in the incorrect waste stream.
Batteries present a severe fire risk when they are crushed or otherwise improperly managed and should be disposed of via specialist battery bins, which can be found in supermarkets.
Register for free to comment