Bermondsey waste fire sends smoke across Southwark, 100 firefighters tackle blaze
London Fire Brigade advises residents to keep doors and windows closed as crews battle 50-tonne household waste fire
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Named LFB statements and a quoted journalist provide evidence, though only one outlet is cited.
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Explains resident safety, quotes witnesses, gives specific figures, and notes cause remains unknown.
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A fire at a waste facility on Landmann Way in Bermondsey drew a large emergency response on the evening of 18 August 2026. The London Fire Brigade sent about 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines to the scene after reports of a blaze involving roughly 50 tonnes of household waste.
The fire started shortly before 20:00 BST. Crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding stations arrived to tackle the flames. The brigade warned residents in the area to keep doors and windows closed due to thick smoke spreading across Southwark.
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Cause remains unclear
The London Fire Brigade said it had not determined what caused the fire. The same facility on Landmann Way experienced a fire in June 2026, though the brigade did not confirm whether the two incidents were linked.
A local resident, who did not give his name, told the BBC he first noticed the fire while cycling home from a supermarket. He described seeing smoke from the road before realising the blaze was near his home. He called the scene "pretty mental" in comments reported by the BBC.
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Overground services continue
Rachael Jardine, a freelance journalist based in New Cross, said trains on a nearby Overground line continued to run despite the smoke. She told the BBC that thick black smoke was visible from the track, though it was unclear whether services were disrupted.
The London Fire Brigade has not issued further updates on the duration of the operation or when residents can expect the smoke to clear. No injuries have been reported.
What happens next
The London Fire Brigade will investigate the cause of the fire. Residents in the area should continue to follow advice on keeping doors and windows closed until the smoke dissipates. Southwark Council has not yet commented on whether the facility will face additional safety inspections.
Questions this report answers
+How many firefighters attended the Bermondsey waste fire?
About 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines from the London Fire Brigade responded to the blaze on Landmann Way on 18 August 2026. The operation involved crews from multiple stations across South East London.
+What caused the fire at the Bermondsey waste facility?
The cause of the fire is unknown, according to the London Fire Brigade. The same facility experienced a fire in June 2026, but no link between the two incidents has been confirmed.
+Were trains affected by the smoke from the fire?
Trains on a nearby Overground track continued to run despite thick black smoke, as reported by freelance journalist Rachael Jardine. It is unclear whether services experienced delays or disruptions.
+What should residents do if they see smoke from the fire?
The London Fire Brigade advised residents in the area to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke spreading from the blaze. No further safety instructions have been issued as of 18 August 2026.
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