Around 60 firefighters are tackling a significant blaze at a waste transfer facility on Belinda Road in Brixton after the first 999 calls were received at 17:10 on Thursday. Eight fire engines were sent to the scene and crews found about 70 tonnes of household waste alight inside a metal structure.
London Fire Brigade said its Control Officers took more than 30 calls about the incident as smoke drifted across the immediate area. Station Commander Ken Spratt, who is at the scene, said, “This will be a protracted incident with crews on scene throughout the night,” and urged people to “keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible.” He added that on-site machinery was being used to turn over waste so firefighters could reach hot spots.
There are currently no reports of any injuries. The Brigade’s Community Engagement team is at the incident to support residents while firefighters work to bring the blaze under control. The cause is not known at this stage.
Where are the road closures and how long will disruption last?
Road closures are in place between Hinton Road and Loughborough Park. Drivers should avoid the surrounding streets and consider alternative routes while emergency services remain on scene. Transport impacts can change at short notice during an incident of this type; motorists and bus passengers should check live updates from Transport for London before setting out.
How the firefighting operation is being managed
Eight fire engines from Brixton, Clapham, New Cross, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding stations were mobilised. Crews are working to break up and damp down the burning waste to expose and extinguish deep-seated hot spots. According to the Brigade, plant machinery at the site is assisting firefighters by turning over waste materials to make them accessible to hose lines.
Waste fires can generate persistent smoke and remain hot for extended periods due to the compacted nature of the material. The Brigade has indicated that this incident is likely to continue for some time while crews ensure the fire is fully out and the site is made safe.
Advice for residents and local businesses
People living and working nearby are asked to keep doors and windows closed while smoke is present and to avoid the area where possible. If you need to travel, plan extra time and follow any diversions. Businesses close to the scene may wish to reduce ventilation intake while the incident continues.
For practical tips on staying comfortable indoors when windows are closed, see our guide: Should you keep windows and doors closed when using a fan, air cooler or air conditioning?
What we know so far
- Approximately 60 firefighters are dealing with a blaze at a waste transfer facility on Belinda Road, Brixton.
- About 70 tonnes of household waste inside a metal structure are alight.
- Eight fire engines were sent after the first call at 17:10 on Thursday.
- The Brigade’s Control Officers handled more than 30 calls about the fire.
- Crews attended from Brixton, Clapham, New Cross, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding stations.
- Road closures are in place between Hinton Road and Loughborough Park.
- Residents have been asked to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.
- The Brigade’s Community Engagement team is supporting local residents at the scene.
- There are currently no reports of any injuries.
- The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Travel and local services
Traffic restrictions and potential bus diversions may affect journeys in and around central Brixton and Loughborough Junction. For the latest information on road conditions and bus services, check TfL’s live traffic and travel updates. Residents with non-emergency local service queries can also refer to Lambeth Council for community information.
Official updates and next steps
Further details will be confirmed once the site is safe for investigation. The London Fire Brigade typically conducts a post-incident assessment to determine the origin and cause of fires at commercial premises. People seeking verified updates should refer to the London Fire Brigade, and continue checking TfL for travel advice.
Recent major fires in London
London has seen several large-scale incidents in recent months, highlighting the scale of response sometimes needed to protect people and property. For context on the resources these operations can require, see our recent coverage of a department store blaze in South London: Peckham Rye Lane fire: 100 firefighters battle blaze at South London department store. A further example of a major response can be found here: Major blaze near Turnpike Lane: 80 firefighters tackle fire on Wood Green High Road.
This Brixton incident remains ongoing. Anyone in the vicinity should continue to follow advice from emergency services at the scene and avoid the affected roads until restrictions are lifted.
