Eleven buses have gone up in flames and “huge” explosions have been heard at a bus depot in south-east London.

Dozens of firefighters and eight fire engines were tackling the blaze in Orpington, London fire brigade said. LFB was called to the scene at 3.36am on Thursday.

Locals reported hearing several loud bangs as the vehicles were engulfed in the early hours.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning, with firefighters called at 3.36am. Photograph: London fire brigade/PA

“Woken up by 10 huge explosions and what looks like a big fire near Sevenoaks road in Orpington,” one said.

LFB said: “About 60 firefighters are dealing with a bus depot that is alight on Farnborough Hill, Orpington. Eleven buses are alight and brigade control officers have taken about 40 calls to the incident, which is very visible.

“Firefighters are working hard to tackle the blaze, but travel in that area will be difficult due to the number of appliances in attendance – avoid the area if you can.”