A major fire that ripped through a waste site in College Road, Epsom on the night of Wednesday 25 June 2025 is now being treated as deliberate, according to Surrey Police.
The fire, which broke out around 10:30pm, engulfed 10 skip lorries, sending thick black smoke into the sky and triggering several loud explosions that were heard across the local area.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service deployed 10 fire appliances to the scene.
Emergency crews battled the flames well into the night, with two teams still damping down into Thursday morning.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the damage is extensive — and the disruption to the local business, traffic, and community is significant.
“Explosions Shook My House” – Local Residents Alarmed
Residents in nearby streets described a terrifying scene. Local councillor Julie Morris said she heard multiple explosions around 10:30pm, which she described as shaking her home.
Another resident, Mark Whiting, told BBC Radio Surrey:
“It sounded like gunshots. Big smoke plumes came out — nasty black smoke — everyone was out watching. It was quite a shock.”
Road closures were put in place at Longdown Lane and Reigate Road, and police cordoned off the site as investigations continue.
The Environment Agency also confirmed it had sent an investigator to assess potential environmental impact due to the scale and nature of the fire.
The Real Cost of Arson to Businesses
This fire highlights a critical but often overlooked threat to businesses: arson. Whether targeted or opportunistic, deliberate fire-setting can destroy vehicles, buildings, and stock in minutes — and in many cases, wipe out entire operations.
The financial impact isn’t just about the immediate damage. Businesses affected by arson also face:
- Loss of income
- Delays to operations
- Increased insurance premiums
- Legal and regulatory consequences
- Reputational damage
- Risk to staff and neighbouring properties
Despite these risks, many businesses do not adequately consider arson in their fire risk assessments — and that’s where things go wrong.
Arson Risk Must Be Part of Your Fire Risk Assessment
Under PAS 79 – the British Standard for fire risk assessment – arson is one of the key risks that should be evaluated during a fire risk assessment.
Yet many businesses overlook it, assuming it “won’t happen to them.”
This incident in Epsom is a powerful reminder that it can happen to anyone, especially businesses with:
- High-value vehicles or materials stored outdoors
- Poor perimeter security
- Inadequate lighting or CCTV
- Flammable materials accessible to intruders
- No arson-prevention plan in place
If you run an industrial site, waste business, construction yard, or transport hub — you’re particularly vulnerable.
A PAS 79-compliant fire risk assessment should specifically address:
✅ Security measures to deter intruders
✅ Waste and material storage practices
✅ Vehicle protection and parking arrangements
✅ Access control and surveillance
✅ Fire detection and alarm systems
✅ Staff training to report suspicious activity
Final Thought – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
What happened in Epsom could happen anywhere.
Ten vehicles gone in one night. Multiple explosions. Community alarm. Major disruption.
And a fire that will no doubt cost hundreds of thousands to recover from.
If you’re a business owner, site manager, or facilities supervisor, it’s time to ask:
Have we really considered arson in our fire risk assessment?
If the answer is no — or “I think so” — then it’s time to act.
Need Help?
Our team of fire safety professionals specialises in carrying out PAS 79-compliant fire risk assessments for businesses of all sizes.
We can help you identify vulnerabilities, improve security, and protect your people, property, and livelihood.
👉 Get in touch today on 01276 300351 to book your fire risk assessment and take control of your fire safety.
Because when it comes to arson, prevention is the only protection.
