Eight fire engines were sent to the site on Staffa Road after the London Fire Brigade was called at 6.44am today (8 September 2026).
Crews from Leyton, Homerton, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations are currently responding to the incident.
One of the Brigade’s 32m ladders and a drone team have been deployed to the scene as part of the response.
The Brigade said residents in the immediate area should keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke being produced by the fire.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Waltham Forest Council confirmed that Staffa Road is closed while emergency services deal with the incident.
The council said emergency services had confirmed there was “no immediate risk to the wider public” and asked residents to be patient while crews work to bring the fire under control.
Further updates are expected as the incident develops.
Fires in the waste and recycling sector
The incident comes as waste and recycling fires continue to affect facilities across the UK.
Metals facilities are particularly at risk with industry bodies including the Environmental Services Association (ESA) warning that battery-related fires – particularly those linked to improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries – are now occurring at what they describe as “epidemic levels”.
A fire broke out at a metals recycler in Bromsgrove last week (1 September 2026), causing nearby road closures and a large plume of black smoke in the surrounding area.
The recent heatwaves have also heightened the risk of fires spreading through stockpiled waste.
The ESA has published guidance to help waste and recycling operators protect frontline workers during the heatwave. It recommends reviewing fire prevention measures and taking additional steps to minimise ignition risks during periods of extreme heat.
Register for free to comment