Travel chaos after fire blocks lines at London Bridge station

A fire near railway lines in London has resulted in cancelled services as around 100 firefighters tackle the blaze.

Network Rail said the blaze in Deptford, southeast London, had closed all lines between London Bridge and New Cross on Tuesday evening.

Significant smoke is affecting the area and it is unsafe for trains to pass, the agency added.

A statement on the National Rail website said: “A fire on a property between London Bridge / Canada Water and New Cross / New Cross Gate means all lines are blocked.

“As a result, trains between these stations may be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 100 minutes or revised.”

The fire is at a waste facility on Landmann Way in Deptford, near to train lines which run to London Bridge Station. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters are responding to a fire on Landman Way, Deptford.

“The fire involves around 50 tonnes of household waste stored at a waste facility. This will be a protracted incident, with firefighting operations expected to be taking place through the night.”

Speaking from the scene, station commander Duncan Rees said: “Crews are working hard in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control. One of the Brigade’s 32m ladders and a 64m ladder are both being used as a water towers to tackle the flames from above

“A large amount of smoke is being produced by the incident. Local residents should keep doors and windows closed where possible.”

The brigade took the first of over 160 calls reporting the incident at 7.59pm, and crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene.

People have been asked to avoid the area and keep their doors and windows closed where possible because of the large amount of smoke.