The fire, which affected one of the plant’s conveyor systems was quickly brought under control by on-site safety measures, fire officers have confirmed.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to attend the site at 21.06. The fire was under control by 22.46, LFB confirmed, largely thanks to a sprinkler system installed by the company. A conveyor compressor belt was damaged in the fire.
Crews from Wandsworth, Battersea, Tooting and Fulham all attended the scene.
Contract
Cory operates the facility as part of a 30 year contract with London’s Western Riverside Waste Authority (WRWA). The 84,000 tonnes-a-year capacity plant sorts recyclables from Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth, Wandsworth and the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea – the four WRWA member boroughs. Building work on facility began in 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).
A spokesman for Cory Environmental said that nobody was injured in the fire.
He said: “The fire was put out by our on-site sprinkler system. There were no injuries. The London Fire Brigade attended and put out the fire. We are investigating the incident, but I don’t have any further information at this time.
“Dry mixed recyclable material accepted at the site is currently being diverted to other sites pending the investigation, damage assessment and completion of return to service checks of the facility.”
Plans
Cory Environmental presented updated contingency plans in the event of a major incident to the WRWA last month (June 28). This included an assessment of procedures in the event of a major incident such as a fire preventing the MRF from operating.
Mark Broxup, WRWA general manager, revealed the unsorted recyclable materials is currently being stored at the Cringle Dock waste transfer station, while the Smugglers Way facility is shut down.
He said: “I would like to reassure residents that their recycling efforts haven’t gone to waste. There are clear contingency plans in place.”
Mr Broxup added that it is not yet clear when the MRF will reopen.
A spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade said that the incident “highlights the clear benefits of sprinklers to businesses”.
She said: “In this case the sprinklers successfully helped control the spread of the fire.
“As well as limiting fire damage and being potentially life saving devices, sprinklers and other fire suppression systems help with business continuity by minimising disruption and allowing businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible.”
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