100 firefighters tackle massive London blaze on hottest day of the year

Fire chief said crews worked in 'extremely hot conditions'.

A huge fire broke out at a south London recycling centre after the capital sweltered in the hottest day of the year.

Around 100 firefighters worked through the night to tackle the blaze in Amenity Way, Morden.

Dramatic pictures show huge clouds of smoke billowing out of the facility.

A pile of rubbish measuring 20 metres by five metres was alight, according to London Fire Brigade, who said they were called to the centre at 2.57am and had the fire under control by 7.50am.

Station Commander Scott Thorpe, who was at the scene, said: ‘Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night in extremely hot conditions.

‘This is a protracted incident and crews are expecting to remain on scene for many hours to come.

‘It’s expected to be a warm day but we’re reminding local residents to continue to keep their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.

‘Specialist teams are working to monitor air quality in the area.’

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage said the brigade.

Fifteen fire engines from New Malden, Mitcham, Sutton, Wimbledon, Wallington, Surbiton, Norbury and surrounding fire stations attended the incident.

Temperatures in London yesterday reached 31°C during the day and dropped to between 16°C and 18°C through the night.

Today is expected to reach a cooler peak of 24°C, while tomorrow is set to hit around 23°C.

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