A fire which started at Suez’ Benedict Wharf site in Mitcham, south west London, last night (17 March) is now under control.
According to the company, the fire was in the main general refuse processing building containing non-hazardous general household and commercial waste. The fire service was called at around 8.20pm with Suez staff on site assisting through the night.
‘Large stack’
Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters attended the scene. London Fire Brigade notes that it was called to the storage centre where a “large stack of rubbish was alight”.
A spokesperson for Suez said: “Fortunately, no one has been injured, but the fire service is advising residents living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke from the fire.”
“We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their continued efforts to manage the fire and we are sorry for the effect this incident is no doubt having on our neighbours and the local community – we appreciate your support and understanding.“
‘Under control’
This morning, station manager, Chris Line, who was at the scene, said: “The fire is now under control but firefighters will remain at the scene throughout the day to continue damping down and turning over remaining pockets of fire.
“This is likely to create smoke in the local area and we would continue to urge residents to please keep their doors and windows shut.”
The cause of the fire and the extent to which the facility has been damaged remain unknown, Suez said in an update today. This will be subject to investigation in due course.
Access to the site is currently restricted to the emergency services and Suez staff. All vehicle deliveries to the site are being re-routed to other sites.
[Updated 19 March with statement from Suez]
Suez has confirmed that the fire in the main general refuse processing building at was extinguished yesterday (18 March) evening.
Suez said: “The materials recycling facility, baling shed and smaller transfer station building at the site have been unaffected by the fire and have re-opened to customers today. The main processing building will remain closed whilst we assess the extent of the damage to the building, investigate the cause of the fire and remove the affected waste from the site.
“We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade and our staff on site for their efforts yesterday and would like to apologise again for the effect this incident has had on our neighbours and the local community.”
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