Statement from Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava on Deptford fire
I am extremely concerned by last night's fire at the waste sorting facility on Landmann Way in North Lewisham and I understand the anxiety and disruption this has caused for local residents. Many people will be rightly concerned that this is the second significant fire at the site in recent months.
While this is not a Lewisham Council site and is separate from our Reuse and Recycling Centre, we are working closely with the London Fire Brigade, the Environment Agency and other partner organisations to understand the cause of the fire, its impact on the local area and any implications for residents, including any associated health risks.
I would like to thank the emergency services and council teams for their swift and professional response. Our teams have been on site since early this morning, helping to clear debris from surrounding public spaces and supporting the local response.
The safety, health and wellbeing of our residents will always be our highest priority. Residents are entitled to expect that every possible step is taken to prevent incidents like this from happening. Following a second fire at this facility in recent months, we will be urgently seeking answers on how it occurred as well as clear assurances from the relevant organisations that lessons are being learned, and appropriate safeguards are being put in place.
Local people need to know how this has happened again and have confidence that everything possible is being done to prevent a repeat.
I recognise that last night’s fire was deeply distressing for many residents, caused considerable disruption to public transport and people will understandably be concerned about the potential impacts on their homes and wellbeing. During summer and periods of extreme heat, fires pose an even greater risk. Once the cause of the fire is established, I will be seeking assurances that emergency planning and responses to incidents such as these are as strong and effective as possible.
We will continue to work closely with our partners, monitor the situation and keep residents updated as more information becomes available.
In addition, I have written to the London Fire Brigade to thank them for their efforts in responding to the fire and to express my concern that this is the second significant incident at the site in as many months. I have asked to be kept informed of the progress and findings of their investigations. I have also written directly to SSSI Ltd to express the Council's significant concern regarding this latest fire and to seek robust assurances that the company is fully cooperating with all relevant investigations and taking the necessary action to minimise the risk of a similar incident occurring again.
Liam Shrivastava
Mayor of Lewisham