Massive Fire Shuts Roads and Sparks Bus Chaos in Erith
A huge blaze ripped through a commercial building on Church Manorway, Erith, forcing over 100 factory workers to evacuate and leaving local roads shut tight. Firefighters are still battling the stubborn flames days after the inferno broke out on Monday morning, September 16.
Blaze Centres on Hard-to-Reach Conveyor Belt
The fire, raging inside an industrial recycling unit, is focused on a corkscrew conveyor belt that’s proving near impossible for crews to tackle. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) set up a 500-metre safety cordon and expect the operation to drag on into tomorrow.
Fire crews from Erith, Plumstead, and Greenwich are all on the scene fighting the stubborn blaze. An LFB spokesperson said: “The location of the fire is difficult to access, limiting the ability of crews to fully extinguish the flames. This is a protracted incident, and firefighting operations may extend into tomorrow.”
Road Closures and Bus Routes Diverted
Several key local roads remain closed, causing travel chaos for commuters and residents alike:
- Mulberry Way (both directions) at Church Manorway
- B213 Lower Road (both directions) from Battle Road to A2016 Bronze Age Way
- Bronze Age Way (both directions) from B253 Picardy Manorway to A206 Queens Road at Erith Roundabout
Buses are also being rerouted, with major routes affected:
- Route 469: Diverted towards Erith, skipping stops from Eardley Road to Erith Station
- Route 180: Terminating early at Abbey Wood Station and Harrow Manorway, cutting out Erith stops
- Route 229: Diverted via Queen Mary’s Hospital, missing stops between Lower Road/Belvedere Station and Erith Town Centre
Erith Station itself is open, but its car park is shut and buses cannot stop there.
Emergency Services On High Alert
The London Ambulance Service deployed its Hazardous Area Response Team shortly after fire crews arrived. They supported emergency partners on-site, with some teams since stood down while others stay on standby.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and residents are warned that disruptions will continue. Commuters are urged to seek alternative routes and expect delays as the scene unfolds.
Stay tuned for updates as firefighters fight to bring the huge Erith blaze under control.
