100 firefighters tackle blaze at waste depot as residents told to keep windows closed

Residents living near the site of a massive blaze at a waste transfer station have been told to keep their windows closed to stop the ‘large amounts of smoke’ entering their homes.

Fifteen fire engines and about 100 firefighters are tackling a fire at a waste transfer station in Shakespeare Road, Herne Hill.

The whole of the building is alight and has partially collapsed. Twelve gas cylinders have been removed to safety as a precaution as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

Station Commander Paul Sadler, who is at the scene, said: “Crews continue to make steady progress at the fire in Shakespeare Road. As this is a protracted incident, crews will remain at the scene throughout the day.

“We know it’s a warm night, but the fire is producing large amounts of smoke and those in the local area are urged to keep their windows and doors closed where possible while crews work to bring it under control.

“Please avoid the area due to road closures.”

Two 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers at the scene to tackle the flames from height.

The London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) 999 control officers have taken 22 calls to the blaze.

A spokesman for the LFB said: “The brigade was called at 2.09am. Fire crews from Brixton, Clapham, West Norwood, Peckham and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

“The cause of the fire is not known at this time.”

Pictured top: Firefighters tackle the blaze in Shakespeare Road, Herne Hill (Picture: LFB)