A significant blaze erupted in London on August 26, 2026, prompting a large-scale response from the London Fire Brigade. Approximately 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene near Carshalton Road in Mitcham to combat flames affecting a workshop and scaffolding yard.
The fire, which began around 4:27 p.m., produced a substantial amount of smoke that was visible across the capital. Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, and the public was urged to avoid the area. More than 70 calls reporting the fire were received by the brigade.
A 32-meter turntable ladder was deployed to assist firefighting efforts from above. Train services passing through Mitcham Junction were disrupted as a result of the incident.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Photographers at the scene noted that the smoke plume was visible from several miles away. One witness described seeing the smoke from Croydon and observed that the fire appeared to be lessening, suggesting the fire brigade was gaining control.
This incident follows other recent fires in the Mitcham area. On August 24, four fire engines and about 25 firefighters responded to a grass fire near the same road, which damaged approximately half a hectare of a field. In July, a larger fire involving townhouses converted into flats on Belgrave Walk in Mitcham required the response of 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines. That fire displaced around 35 residents.
Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha previously commented on the challenges faced by firefighters during hot weather conditions, stating they "worked tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control during what has been a very hot day." 
