Around 100 firefighters are tackling a large blaze at a waste site in Dagenham, east London, with smoke visible for miles. The fire broke out at the site on Chequers Lane at about 3.26am today.
Thick black smoke billowed into the air as flames engulfed the facility on the industrial estate near the A13. Residents in the nearby area have been urged to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.
Firefighting efforts
London Fire Brigade said 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters are at the scene. They are using two turntable ladders, a hose laying unit and a high volume pump to access more water across the ground.
Station Commander Graham Beers said: 'This is a large incident that will see crews working hard through the morning to bring it under control. Residents in the nearby area should keep doors and windows closed where possible. The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke.'
Cause unknown
The cause of the blaze is not known yet. The fire comes as London and large parts of the South are gripped by drought conditions, with a fifth heatwave of the season bringing more hot weather this week.
