50 residents evacuated from homes after huge fire at recycling centre
About 50 residents were evacuated from their homes and are staying with friends and family after a huge fire at a recycling centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at Suez Recycling centre in Amenity Way, Morden, after a pile of rubbish measuring 20 metres by five metres set alight.
The London fire brigade (LFB) advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed throughout the day, despite the summer heat, due to heavy smoke in the area.
A Merton council spokesman said: “The fire has led to the evacuation of approximately 50 residents from their homes as a precautionary measure.
“The majority are staying with friends and family.
“The council has opened a rest centre at Eastways Day Centre, Morden, for those who need assistance.
“Residents should stay away from the Suez Recycling Centre and Garth Road Recycling Centre area to allow the emergency services to manage the situation.”
The LFB was called at around 3am and the fire was under control by around 8am. Fire crews from New Malden, Mitcham, Sutton, Wimbledon, Wallington, Surbiton, Norbury and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
Station Commander Scott Thorpe, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night in extremely hot conditions to bring this fire under control.
“Specialist teams are working to monitor air quality in the area.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
(Picture: LFB)
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