The cause of a fire which broke out at a scrapyard in Sydenham has been revealed by fire crews.  

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled the blaze in Burnham Way at 3pm yesterday (May 22).

Around seven tonnes of scrap metal, including vehicles, were alight at the scrapyard.

Eight people left the site before the brigade arrived and one man was treated at the scene.

His condition is currently unknown.

Residents were advised by fire crews to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.

The fire is believed to have been accidental, with the most likely cause being electrical arcing from a battery-powered tool igniting petrol vapour from a nearby open petrol can.

Station Commander Keith Sanders, who was at the scene, said: "The fire was extremely visible and our 999 Control Officers received 30 calls alerting them to the fire.

"Due to the amount of smoke, local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed."

Fire crews from Forest Hill, Beckenham, Lewisham, Bromley, Lee Green and surrounding stations were in attendance.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire at a scrapyard on Burnham Way in Lower Sydenham.

“Around seven tonnes of scrap metal, including vehicles, were alight at the scrapyard.

“Around eight people left the site before the Brigade arrived and one man was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

“The Brigade was called at 1501 and the fire was under control at 1701. Fire crews from Forest Hill, Beckenham, Lewisham, Bromley, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

“The fire is believed to have been accidental, with the most likely cause being electrical arcing from a battery-powered tool igniting petrol vapour from a nearby open petrol can.”