Overview
- A large fire broke out at a scrapyard on Landau Way in Erith and sent thick plumes of smoke across Kent and parts of south Essex, with smoke visible as far as the Dartford Crossing.
- The main call came in around 10:50am on Wednesday, June 17, and prompted a major response of ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters from London, Essex and Kent services.
- Crews used specialist resources including two water bowsers, a high-volume pump, a 32-metre turntable ladder and the brigade's drone team to supply continuous water and tackle flames from height.
- About 100 tonnes of scrap metal are reported to have been involved in the blaze, firefighters later said there were no injuries and the incident was brought under control by late afternoon.
- Authorities have advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed while crews continue damping down hot spots and a formal investigation into the cause is under way.