Erith Scrapyard Blaze: 70 Firefighters Tackle Metal Fire

A massive blaze has erupted at a scrapyard in Erith, prompting a large-scale response from the London Fire Brigade. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are currently on the scene on Landau Way.

The Inferno on Landau Way, Erith

A large amount of scrap metal is alight at the industrial estate, creating an intense, deep-seated fire within the recycling facility. The blaze is producing a significant amount of thick black smoke that is visible across South East London and parts of the River Thames.

Due to the volume of atmospheric pollution and drifting ash, residents in the surrounding residential areas are being strongly advised by emergency services to keep their windows and doors closed. The Brigade was initially alerted to the incident at 10:50 AM, with crews from Erith, Bexleyheath, Plumstead, and surrounding stations immediately dispatched to establish water relays.

Bexley Borough Safety Metrics and Industrial Incident Controls

Domestic and commercial property emergencies remain a key operational focus for emergency services across the district. Financial and community safety data heading into 2026 shows that the London Borough of Bexley maintains an overall baseline crime and safety incident profile of 67 crimes per 1,000 residents, reflecting its position as one of the statistically safer boroughs in the capital, though industrial sectors along the Thames estuary demand specialized hazardous response frameworks.

To manage localized emergencies, the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade advise residents to report any suspicious activity around commercial yards immediately by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For comprehensive business resilience and fire safety advice, the London Fire Brigade offers extensive guidance resources on their website.

Specialized Foam Units Deployed to Combat Industrial Smouldering

Tackling fires within scrap metal recycling centres presents unique logistical hurdles for regular firefighting tactics. Standard water applications often prove insufficient against dense, pressurized piles of crushed vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and industrial waste materials, which can create pockets of extreme heat that burn deep beneath the surface.

Command officers at Landau Way have deployed specialized high-volume foam units alongside aerial ladder platforms to submerge the scrap heaps from above. Crews are expected to remain on-site for a prolonged period to systematically turn over the metal debris with heavy machinery, dousing hidden hotspots to prevent reignition across the industrial complex.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on an official press release issued by London Fire Brigade.

Document: Fire at scrapyard - Erith

Source Link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2026/june/fire-at-scrapyard-erith/