Flames Again: London Waste Facility Struck by Second Major Fire in Three Months

LONDON — Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were deployed to a recycling and waste facility on Landmann Way in south-east London as a major blaze broke out for the second time in less than three months.

Emergency services received the first calls shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 following reports of a fire involving approximately 50 tonnes of household waste. Dark smoke billowed across the skyline, forcing the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to issue warnings advising local residents in the surrounding area to keep all doors and windows firmly closed.

Crews from Deptford, East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, and neighboring fire stations responded to the incident. Firefighters utilized specialized aerial equipment—including a 32-meter and a 64-meter turntable ladder—to act as high-capacity water towers and pour water onto the heart of the fire from above.

"Fire crews along with colleagues from partner blue light services are working hard in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control," said LFB Station Commander Duncan Rees during the initial emergency effort.

The blaze severely damaged the facility's structure before firefighters successfully brought it under control around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Emergency personnel remained on site throughout the day to dampen down remaining hotspots. The incident caused significant disruption to local infrastructure, temporarily blocking railway lines and causing delays for train services running into London Bridge.

The site had previously suffered a major fire in June, during which a warehouse unit roof, a car, and a van were destroyed, requiring a massive multi-agency response.

The recurrence of a second large-scale incident at the same waste facility in such a short window has prompted sharp criticism from local residents and environmental advocates, who are demanding an urgent review of site safety protocols and waste storage regulations.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the exact cause of the latest blaze remains unknown and an investigation has been launched. No injuries were reported in connection with Tuesday night's fire.