Around 100 firefighters battle huge blaze at recycling centre as thick plumes of smoke billow across London skyline

Nearly 100 firefighters were battling a major blaze at a recycling center in south-east London last night.

Thick clouds of smoke could be seen rising over the capital’s skyline after a massive fire broke out at the building in Landmann Way, Bermondsey, at around 5.30pm on Monday.

While 15 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, fire crews worked until late at night to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and the investigation is ongoing.

Dramatic images showed bright orange flames emerging from the recycling center and thick, acrid smoke rising above London skyscrapers and spreading across the capital.

Firefighters from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding stations were mobilized to fight a fire at a recycling center close to a major railway line.

Surrounded by mountains of garbage, they could be seen using hoses to spray water on the inferno.

Specialized equipment was deployed to help control the fire, including two of the Brigade’s 32-metre spiral staircases, allowing firefighters to attack the blaze from above.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed in an updated statement late on Monday that the fire was under control as of 11.57pm.

Aerial footage shows a massive fire breaking out at a recycling center in south-east London, with smoke billowing across the skyline

In dramatic images shared on social media, large smoke clouds were seen rising over the area as teams rushed to the scene.

Fire crews are seen responding to the fire at the recycling center

Fire crews appealed to citizens to stay away from the area while emergency crews dealt with the incident.

A spokesman said: ‘Please avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.’

Fire crews also informed the citizens living nearby because the fire produced heavy smoke.

He added: ‘Residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the significant amount of smoke in the area.’

No injuries have been reported at this stage.

Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who arrived at the scene, said: ‘Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a fire at a recycling centre.

‘When the fire reached its peak, a large amount of rubbish and a storage unit were burned. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Fifteen fire engines were dispatched to the blaze in Landmann Way, close to a major railway line in Bermondsey, after emergency services were alerted shortly after 5.30pm.

London Fire Brigade has confirmed that around 100 firefighters responded to a fire at a recycling facility.

While medical teams were dispatched to the scene, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Firefighters use a ladder platform at a fire at Landmann Way Reuse and Recycling Center in Bermondsey, south London

Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who attended the scene, said: ‘Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of waste at a recycling centre.’

‘Due to the heavy smoke in the area, residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Loose embers, which is normal during large fires, were also reported.

‘Residents are advised to pour water on themselves if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their property, but to call 999 immediately if they catch anything burning.

‘This is a protracted incident and crews will remain at the scene until the morning to fully extinguish the fire.’