More than 100 firefighters were called out to tackle a major blaze at a recycling centre in southeast London.
Fifteen fire engines descended on Landmann Way in Bermondsey on Monday afternoon to fight the flames, the London Fire Brigade said.
The service urged locals to avoid the area and keep their windows and door closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.
Crews were expected to remain on the scene until the morning as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
Footage shared on social media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing over the area as crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding fire stations arrived on the scene.
The fire brigade said they deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders to tackle the huge fire from above, responding to multiple reports of a blaze just after 5.30pm.
Station commander Wayne Bloomfield from the LFB said: "Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse at a recycling centre.
"Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
"Loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents are advised to pour water onto them if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they do catch something alight, don't hesitate to call 999.
"This is likely to be a protracted incident, with crews remaining on scene into the morning."
Southeastern Rail Service said that trains have been “diverted via alternate routes” amid reports of a fire in the London Bridge area.
At one stage there were no services to or from Charing Cross, delays to and from Cannon Street, and some services have been diverted to and from Victoria.
Passengers planning to travel from Charing Cross and London Bridge were advised to check before traveling, and to consider delaying journeys until later where possible.
Thameslink said that all lines between London Bridge and Dartford were blocked due to the fire, advising people to leave an extra 30 minutes to complete their journeys.
Tickets could be used at no extra cost on alternative Thameslink services via Dartford or Bromley South and Southeastern services between Rainham and London Bridge, they said.
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“Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire in the London Bridge area,” Network Rail said in a statement on its website. “Rail services are currently disrupted.
“Fires in railway areas present a serious safety risk, as they can damage signalling equipment, power systems, and track infrastructure, and create unsafe conditions for trains and staff.”
Southwark Council said in a short statement: “London Fire Brigade are currently responding to a large fire in Bermondsey. We hope everyone in the area is safe. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.”
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