City News

Fire at Southwark Warehouse Disrupts Local Businesses

A major blaze at an industrial unit near Blackfriars caused extensive disruption to several businesses and brought traffic to a standstill.

21 May 2025 at 2:03

By Staff Report

A warehouse in Southwark erupted into flames late Tuesday night, sending plumes of smoke high into the London skyline and disrupting nearby businesses for hours. The fire, which broke out at a logistics depot near Great Suffolk Street, prompted the rapid deployment of ten fire engines and over 70 firefighters from surrounding boroughs.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a series of loud bangs before flames engulfed the rear section of the property. ‘It lit up like a bonfire in seconds,’ said Nina Patel, who lives across the road. ‘I saw pallets and boxes stacked up inside — all of that went up almost immediately.’

London Fire Brigade confirmed that no injuries were reported, though adjacent shops and workshops sustained smoke and water damage. Several local traders expressed frustration, citing closures during one of the busiest commercial weeks of the season. Nearby cafés and printing shops lost power for several hours, adding to the disruption.

The blaze was brought under control in the early hours of the morning, but fire crews remained on-site well into Wednesday to monitor hotspots and begin forensic assessments. Southwark Council’s emergency response team visited affected traders to assess the damage and offer temporary relief options.

According to the fire brigade, the building lacked modern fire safety measures and had not passed a full inspection in the past five years. This has raised concerns about enforcement and oversight, particularly in a borough known for its mix of old and repurposed industrial spaces.

Local MP Helen Hayes has called for an urgent review of fire code compliance in Southwark’s commercial districts. ‘This is a reminder that as we revitalise old buildings, we mustn’t cut corners on safety,’ she stated during a visit to the scene. Business owners echoed her sentiments, urging stricter regulations on warehouse storage practices.

While investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire, local shopkeepers are already assessing the long road to recovery. Insurance claims are underway, and many have turned to community fundraising to offset immediate losses. Southwark’s resilience will be tested, but the response so far has been one of solidarity and support.