I was shocked to learn of a second fire at Landmann Way on Tuesday night. The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police were on hand and worked selflessly to control the situation, for which I am grateful.
In response to the concerns of several local residents, I wrote to Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava for an urgent update. I am sharing his response for clarity, full text below.
Dear Vicky,
Thank you for your letter regarding the recent fire at the waste management facility on Landmann Way.
I share your concern about this incident and fully understand the anxiety and disruption it has caused for local residents. Many people will be rightly concerned that this is the second significant fire at the site in recent months. I am grateful that, thanks to the swift response of the London Fire Brigade and other emergency services, there have been no reported injuries.
As you will be aware, the site is a privately operated recycling and waste management facility run by SSSI Ltd. It is separate from Lewisham Council’s Reuse and Recycling Centre, which remains open as normal. Nevertheless, given the impact on our residents and local area, the Council has been working closely with the London Fire Brigade, the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and other partner organisations since the incident occurred.
You ask how the site was able to reopen so quickly and what measures will be taken to prevent a similar incident from happening again. The causes of both fires are currently matters for investigation by the relevant authorities. While the June fire is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery, the London Fire Brigade has not yet confirmed the cause of the most recent fire. The investigations into both incidents are being led by the London Fire Brigade, with the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive involved through their respective statutory responsibilities.
The Council does not control these investigations or the publication of their findings. However, we will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies, seek updates as investigations progress and ensure that any conclusions relevant to residents are shared publicly when they become available.
In addition, I have written to the London Fire Brigade to thank them for their efforts in responding to the fire and to express my concern that this is the second significant incident at the site in as many months. I have asked to be kept informed of the progress and findings of their investigations. I have also written directly to SSSI Ltd to express the Council’s significant concern regarding this latest fire and to seek robust assurances that the company is fully cooperating with all relevant investigations and taking the necessary action to minimise the risk of a similar incident occurring again.
I agree that local people are entitled to answers. Following a second significant fire at the facility in recent months, we will be seeking clear assurances from the relevant organisations that the causes are fully understood, lessons are being learned and appropriate safeguards are being put in place. Local people need confidence that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of a repeat incident.
I also recognise concerns about air quality and public health. During the incident, residents in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed and limit time spent outdoors while smoke remained in the air. Particular advice was issued for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Residents experiencing ongoing symptoms after exposure have been advised to seek advice from NHS 111 or their GP. The Environment Agency’s report following the June fire did not identify any additional health concerns relating to fumes from waste stored at the site.
Since the fire, Council teams have been on site supporting the local response, clearing debris from surrounding public spaces, carrying out inspections and working with partners to clean affected public green spaces. We recognise that incidents of this scale can be deeply distressing for residents and can have a significant impact on daily life.
You also asked whether the facility operator is complying with environmental, planning and fire safety requirements. As this is a privately owned and operated site, compliance with those requirements is a matter for the relevant regulatory authorities. We would expect the Environment Agency, London Fire Brigade, Health and Safety Executive and other appropriate bodies to assess compliance as part of their ongoing oversight and investigations and to take any necessary regulatory or enforcement action should concerns be identified.
Similarly, any decisions regarding the continued operation of the site are matters for the operator and the relevant regulatory authorities. The Council will carefully review the findings of the investigations and seek assurance that appropriate action is taken to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in future. Should regulators determine that additional measures are required, we would expect those to be pursued through the appropriate statutory processes
The safety, health and wellbeing of our residents will always be our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with our partners, monitor the situation and press for the answers and assurances that local residents understandably expect.
Thank you for raising these concerns on behalf of your constituents. I am happy to keep you updated as further information becomes available