A large fire broke out this morning on Union Street in Borough, write Kit Heren and Herbie Russell…
Bystanders first told the News of their concerns at around 9.30 on Wednesday morning (August 17). The fire was under control by 11.30, and firefighters are investigating the cause. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire was in a car park and railway arch near the corner of Great Guildford Street, on the western side of Union Street near Southwark Bridge Road. Southwark Street is closed between Southwark Bridge Road and Lavington Street while fire crews make the scene safe.
Firefighters are still asking bystanders to stay away. Train services were suspended, with no services able to use Charing Cross or Waterloo East because the railway arch was completely alight. The Jubilee Line was also delayed because of the fire. Firefighters investigating smoke on a platform in nearby London Bridge station also confirmed it was from the Union Street fire, not a separate fire.
Ben, who works locally, told the News at the scene: “What was scary was when the firemen came through to ask for fire extinguishers. I thought ‘why are they panicking’ but then I saw how big it was and it started getting worse and worse. Even that smoke – just the smell of it – I’ve never seen anything like that before. If you get stuck in that smoke you’re dead.”
“The smoke was thick like plasticky – the worst kind of smoke. There was a woman crying.”
Police were at the scene and are also investigating the cause of the fire, alongside the fire brigade.
Firefighters are continuing to tackle the fire under the railway arches in #Southwark. Trains to and from #LondonBridge are affected and several buildings have been evacuated https://t.co/5xIpC4mpKN pic.twitter.com/c8wwK39KkM
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 17, 2022
A large plume of smoke rose above the surrounding streets and people living nearby were advised to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed.
Station Commander Wayne Johnson, who is at the scene, said: “The blaze is producing heavy smoke and those living or working in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Trains to and from London Bridge are affected and several buildings have been evacuated.”
The London Fire Brigade said that ten fire engines were at the scene, with 70 firefighters working to put out the blaze.