Around 100 firefighters are tackling a large fire at a waste facility in Dagenham, east London, after it broke out in the early hours of the morning.
Fifteen fire engines were called to the blaze on Chequers Lane, with plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. Residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Fire crews at the scene
Two of the London Fire Brigade's turntable ladders have been mobilised to the incident, along with a Hose Laying Unit and a High Volume Pump to improve access to the water supply.
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."
Heatwave and wildfire risk
The fire comes as London braces for its fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 33C by Thursday. A UKHSA yellow weather warning for heat has been issued for London and parts of England, remaining in place until 9pm on August 11.
The risk of wildfires in London is currently very high amid the prolonged period of extreme heat. Drought conditions combined with temperatures of 33C mean that any fire that ignites is difficult to extinguish and can spread rapidly.
The Brigade was called at 0326, and crews from Dagenham, Barking, East Ham and surrounding fire stations have been mobilised. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
At least 600 separate grass and wildfire incidents have been tackled by the London Fire Brigade so far this year, including 423 grass fires over a single weekend in early August.
