Massive London fire sends huge plume of black smoke across south east

19 August 2026 , 07:30

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Massive London fire sends huge plume of black smoke across south east

A massive fire broke out in south east London and filled the sky with black smoke.

The blaze erupted at a facility in Deptford, involving around 50 tonnes of household waste stored there.

The alarm was first raised at 7.59pm on Tuesday, with fifteen fire engines around 100 firefighters dispatched to the scene.

People in the area were told to keep doors and windows closed as thick smoke billowed out of the area.

A massive fire in Surrey quays southwark pic.twitter.com/OcGSNXFQTv

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The plumes were spotted across London, as far as Bethnal Green and Thamesmead.

The fire, near a railway line, disrupted Southeastern train services, the company said on X.

Station Commander Duncan Rees confirmed an overground line running into central London has been closed due to its proximity to the smoke.

Crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations