Around 100 firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at an industrial estate on Ripple Road in Barking, east London, which has forced the closure of a section of the A13. The London Fire Brigade was alerted shortly after 12.45pm and has sent fifteen fire engines to the scene.
Firefighters battle blaze at two-storey building
Crews were called to the blaze impacting a two-storey building at an industrial estate just before 1pm. A 32m turntable ladder is at the scene, helping to tackle the flames from height and provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view to develop tactics to bring the fire under control.
Crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
Residents advised to close windows and doors
A huge amount of smoke is being generated by the blaze, with people as far away as Wimbledon sharing pictures of a dark plume hanging over the area. Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area where possible.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the brigade said: "Traffic will be heavily impacted as we work to bring the fire under control."
