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BREAKING: Major Blaze Sends Toxic Smoke Plume Over Sidcup – Homes Told to Keep Windows Shut
Slug: sidcup-major-fire-toxic-smoke-a20
Focus Keywords: Sidcup fire, toxic smoke A20, Orpington blaze, Kent Fire and Rescue, London Fire Brigade
Tags: Sidcup, Orpington, Kent Fire, London Fire Brigade, A20 traffic, breaking news, toxic smoke, road closures, emergency
SIDCUP/ORPINGTON – Wednesday 9 July 2025, 4:10PM:
A major blaze has broken out in Orpington, sending a thick plume of black toxic smoke into the sky, clearly visible from the A20 in Sidcup and surrounding areas.
The fire began earlier this afternoon in Hawstead Lane, reportedly starting from a trailer before spreading to containers housing gas cylinders and toxic waste materials.
Emergency crews from both Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the London Fire Brigade are at the scene and remain engaged in a complex firefighting operation. Hose reels and additional equipment are being used to knock down the growing flames as firefighters work to prevent further spread.
Toxic Smoke Warning and Road Closures
Due to the nature of the materials involved, toxic smoke is drifting across residential areas, prompting public health warnings.
Residents in Sidcup, Orpington, and surrounding areas under the smoke plume are urgently advised to keep windows and doors shut and avoid the area entirely.
Road closures are now in effect at:
- Hawstead Lane
- Jubilee Road
- Rock Hill
Motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes and avoid travelling near the fire zone to allow emergency services unhindered access.
Public and Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs and seeing flames erupting from the rear of a trailer unit before rapidly spreading to industrial waste containers and stored cylinders. Black smoke is now visible from miles away, causing concern for public safety.
We have contacted Kent Fire and Rescue Service for an official statement and further details about any injuries, evacuations, or hazards posed by the burning materials.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said crews are working closely with Kent colleagues to bring the situation under control and are monitoring the risk of cylinder explosions or chemical release.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as soon as emergency services release further information. If you live nearby and are concerned about your health or safety, call 111 or 999 in an emergency.
