Eight fire engines attended the incident on Belinda Road after the first emergency calls were received at 5.10pm.
According to the London Fire Brigade, around 70 tonnes of household waste inside a metal structure was alight.
Nine residents from nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, although no injuries were reported.
The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight.
Station Commander Ken Spratt, who was at the scene, said firefighters had “worked tirelessly throughout the night” to bring the blaze under control safely.
He said on-site machinery was used to turn over the waste, allowing crews to extinguish deep-seated hotspots, while one of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders and thermal imaging cameras were deployed to assist the response.
Spratt added: “The fire produced smoke that was carried across the surrounding area by the wind. As a precaution, we advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible.
“Road closures were also in place between Hinton Road and Loughborough Park.”
Fire crews from Brixton, Clapham, New Cross, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding stations attended, alongside the Brigade’s Community Engagement team, which provided support to local residents.
The LFB said the cause of the fire has been recorded as undetermined.
Powerday site closed
Waste management company Powerday, which operates the Brixton facility, confirmed on LinkedIn that the site would remain closed today (24 July) following the fire.
The company said customers should instead use one of its alternative facilities, with its Bermondsey site being the closest available option.
Powerday Chief Executive Officer Edward Crossan also thanked staff and firefighters involved in the response.
In a LinkedIn post, he wrote: “Long night battling a fire at our site in Brixton, massive thanks to all our staff and the fire brigade and everyone involved to get it under control.
“Big problem in the industry, what’s the solution eh… bloody batteries. Luckily no one injured.”
While the London Fire Brigade has recorded the cause of the fire as undetermined, Crossan’s comments suggest lithium batteries may have been involved.
Battery-related fires remain an increasing concern across the waste and recycling sector due to the risks posed by incorrectly disposed rechargeable batteries.
Register for free to comment