Scrap yard fire again highlights dangers of batteries, fire brigade warns

Firefighters have issued a reminder of their lithium-ion battery advice following a fire at a scrap metal yard in Bellingham yesterday.

Half of two shipping containers, part of two skips and part of a flat bed lorry were damaged by the fire in Randlestown Road.

A 3mx3m area of scrap metal was destroyed by the fire. One man was treated on the scene by the London Ambulance Service.

The fire has been recorded as accidental and the most probable cause is a lithium battery that ignited within the waste.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Lithium-ion battery fires are a major risk. We’ve seen a growing number of fires at waste disposal sites that are believed to have been caused by a lithium battery.”

Officers took the first of 29 calls shortly after 5.30pm and the fire was under control by 6.45pm. Crews from Lewisham, Forest Hill, Beckenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

Picture: LFB