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Major Fire Engulfs Brixton Waste Transfer Station

Road closures and heavy smoke prompted an overnight firefighting operation while investigators prepare to examine the site

Overview

  • The fire broke out at a waste transfer facility on Belinda Road in Brixton, with London Fire Brigade control logging the first calls at about 5.10pm on Thursday.
  • Crews sent from several local stations used eight fire engines and roughly 60 firefighters to tackle the blaze and worked through the night to contain hotspots.
  • On-site plant was used to turn over burning waste so crews could access smouldering pockets, and units remain on scene monitoring for re-ignition.
  • There are no reported injuries, but heavy black smoke crossed south London and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area; roads are closed between Hinton Road and Loughborough Park.
  • The cause is under investigation and reports differ on how much waste burned, with estimates ranging from about 30 to 70 tonnes, a difference that officials have not yet resolved and that affects cleanup and air-quality work.