About 125 firefighters have been called to a major fire in London, as emergency crews warn nearby residents to keep windows and doors firmly shut.
The blaze erupted at an industrial site in Mitcham at around 4.30pm, with fire crews remaining at the scene for several hours as they worked to bring the flames under control.
A total of 25 fire engines have been deployed, while video from the area shows thick plumes of smoke rising above the site.
Residents in the surrounding area have been advised to stay indoors and keep their properties closed, while members of the public are being asked to steer clear of the scene where possible.
London Fire Brigade has received more than 70 calls since the first report came in at 4.27pm. The fire is understood to have spread through a tyre centre, a workshop and a scaffolding yard.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Crews have also brought in one of London Fire Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders, allowing firefighters to tackle the incident from above.
The incident has caused disruption to train services running through Mitcham Junction.
Pictures and videos of the fire in Mitcham are being shared on social media, showing a thick plume of smoke rising over the area.
The fire broke out at a workshop and scaffolding yard near Mitcham, sending a massive plume of thick smoke across the capital that was visible from miles away
Crews from Mitcham, Wallington, Norbury, and surrounding stations were dispatched
The smoke can be seen from as far away as Shepherd’s Bush.
A photographer at the scene of the fire said: ‘We saw a plume of thick smoke on our way home and I decided to send my drone up to see where that was coming from.
‘It’s a Mitcham Common Beddington Landfill.
‘We are about half a mile from the affected area. I can see that the blaze has lessened which means the fire brigade has it under control’
An update by the London Fire Brigade said: ‘Twenty-fire engines and around 125 firefighters have been called to a fire near Carshalton Road in Mitcham.
‘The fire is affecting a tyre centre, workshop and scaffolding yard. Around four hectares of surrounding scrubland is also alight.
‘The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and local residents should keep their windows and doors closed.
‘Road closures are in place on London Road and Carshalton Road at the junctions of Willow Lane, Goat Road and Hackbridge Road. Please avoid the area if you can.
‘One of the Brigade’s Terrain Support Vehicles has been sent to the scene to support firefighting efforts. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.
‘Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.
‘One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders has been deployed to help fight the fire from above.
‘The Brigade’s Drone Team have also been deployed to the scene, providing an aerial view of the fire and aiding the Incident Commander’s decision making.
‘Control Officers took the first of over 70 calls at 1627 and have mobilised crews from Mitcham, Wallington, Norbury and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
‘The cause of the fire is not yet known.’
Authorities advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors firmly closed and urged the public to avoid the area
The fire is burning near Carshalton Road in Mitcham, where around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines have been sent to the scene
Earlier this week, on August 24, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Carshalton Road in Mitcham.
Around half a hectare of a field was damaged by the fire, and there were no reports of any injuries.
Last month, on July 25, twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters responded to a flat fire on Belgrave Walk in Mitcham.
A row of townhouses converted into flats were involved in the fire. The fire spread across all three floors and into the roof spaces of the buildings.
Approximately 35 residents were displaced, and a rest centre was opened at a local church.
Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: ‘Firefighters worked tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control during what has been a very hot day.’
