Firefighters were called to the fire in the rear of High Street in Orpington yesterday (Thursday), which was brought under control in just 19 minutes.

Police were alerted to a large bloom of smoke coming from behind a business premises on the High Street.

The team was quick to find the source and prevent entry until firefighters arrived to put out the fire.

Pictures from Orpington Police appear to show that fire had started in a pile of what appears to be planks of board or wood.

A crew from Orpington Fire Station attended the scene after the London Fire Brigade was first called at 11.44am.

The London Fire Brigade advised residents to dispose of waste correctly and avoid letting it build up over time as it could become a fire risk.

Orpington Police tweeted: “Following being advised of a large bloom of smoke coming from behind the business premises in the High Street. The Team was quick to find the source and prevent entry until LFB arrived and put out the Fire @MPSOrpington”

London Fire Brigade tweeted said: “Thanks for getting us out to deal with this earlier.

“We are working together to reduce waste build up near premises which could become fire risks.

“Please ensure you dispose of waste correctly and don’t let it build up over time. @LBofBromley @VeoliaUK”