The fire began at around 10.47pm on Friday, July 11, at an industrial estate on Maypole Crescent.
A single-storey warehouse went up in flames, along with three diggers and several vehicles.
Around 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, with crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead, East Greenwich, Sidcup and surrounding areas involved.
London Fire Brigade said the fire was brought under control by 6.52am the next day but on Saturday evening, flames could still be seen at the site, with firefighters using tall ladders to spray water down onto parts of the warehouse that were difficult to access.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said:
“Our crews have been working hard throughout the night at a large fire on an industrial estate in Erith. While the fire is now under control, we continue to tackle some areas of waste material that are still alight.”
He said firefighters were likely to remain at the scene throughout the day and warned people to stay away.
Nearby roads remain closed, and residents have been advised to keep windows and doors shut because of the smoke.
Locals have also reported a strong smell of smoke and in some cases, a chemical-like odour lingering in the area.
Twelve emergency calls were made about the blaze, and one of the Brigade’s fire boats was used to pump 2,500 litres of water per minute from the Thames to help bring the fire under control.
The cause is still being investigated, and we’ve asked London Fire Brigade for further updates.
