A large blaze at a recycling centre in Kingston sent smoke billowing across the Thames.
Seventy firefighters and 10 engines tackled the fire at Villiers Road Recycling Centre in Kingston after being called shortly before 5am on Wednesday. About 50 tonnes of household waste is alight, fire crews said.
The fire service advised residents to avoid the area, and to close their windows and doors. The fire was brought under control by 9.16am.
The news generated concern from Kingston residents on Twitter. Mike Albert wrote: “Oh no, my favourite place in the whole borough. Hope everyone is safe.”
Kingston Council tweeted: “Please avoid the Chapel Mill Road area of Kingston. Local bin collections should still happen today, although delays likely.
“All recycling centre bookings today are cancelled - apologies. As ever, we are grateful to our emergency services.”
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage but an investigation will proceed.
