Update on fire in Deptford
The fire was not at our Reuse and Recycling Centre but at a nearby private recycling and waste management facility run by SSSI Ltd.
Our Reuse and Recycling Centre remains open at the moment. However, if you're planning to visit, please check our website before you travel for the latest information.
Our teams have been working in the area since early this morning, clearing debris from surrounding public spaces and carrying out inspections. We are also working with partners to clean affected public green spaces.
If you live in the area, we recommend you limit the time you spend outdoors and keep your windows and doors closed while smoke remains in the air. Once the air visibly clear and no longer smells of smoke, make sure you thoroughly ventilate your home.
If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, make sure you have any prescribed inhalers or medication readily available and seek medical advice immediately if you feel your condition is worsening – go to A&E if you have an acute episode that you are not able to manage using your routine medications.
If you have been exposed to the smoke and are experiencing ongoing, persistent symptoms after you are no longer directly exposed, please seek advice from NHS 111 or your GP.
You can report debris in public areas via cleanerlewisham.lovecleanstreets.com or the Love Clean Streets app. If you live on a Lewisham Council estate, you can report debris directly to estates@lewisham.gov.uk.
If you have concerns about debris or cleaning on your own property, such as your garden or driveway, please contact your landlord, managing agent or SSSI directly.
We recognise that residents may be concerned that this is the second fire at the SSSI site in recent months. The London Fire Brigade, the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive will investigate, and we will take direction from them as further information emerges. The Environment Agency’s report on the previous fire in June did not raise any additional health concerns about fumes from the waste stored at the site.
Large fires of this nature can be extremely distressing, and we recognise the impact that this will have on residents. We will continue to work closely with partner agencies to understand the findings of the investigation and seek assurance that appropriate action is taken to help prevent similar incidents in the future, while keeping residents informed of any impacts on the local area.