Erith, London: A huge fire broke out late on July 11 at an industrial estate on Maypole Crescent in Erith, Southeast London, prompting a large-scale response by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The fire, which began shortly before 11 pm, sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky and continued to burn until around 4 am.
According to an LFB spokesperson, “Twenty-five fire engines and around 150 firefighters are tackling a fire at an industrial estate on Maypole Crescent in Erith.”
The blaze engulfed a single-storey warehouse located within a scrap yard, along with three diggers and multiple vehicles. The industrial site houses around 20 businesses, including repair shops and recycling centres, situated along the banks of the Thames.
Emergency services deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders and a fire boat, which played a key role in the operation.
The boat is equipped with two remote-operated water monitors capable of pumping 2,500 litres per minute, allowing firefighters to combat the flames from the Thames River.
The London Fire Brigade received the first of ten emergency calls about the fire just before 11 pm. Fire crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead, East Greenwich, Sidcup, and surrounding stations were swiftly mobilised to the scene.
Local residents living near Maypole Crescent have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the hazardous smoke in the area.
Photos from the scene captured the dramatic scale of the fire, showing dense smoke rising high into the sky, visible from miles away. As of now, the cause of the Erith fire remains unknown, and officials have not confirmed which specific buildings have been affected.
The London Fire Brigade continues its investigation while ensuring the area is safe and the fire is fully extinguished.
MOST READ | Smart glasses with autofocus lenses aim to redefine vision care
