Barking fire LIVE: Huge blaze erupts in east London closing section of A13
A huge fire has erupted at an industrial estate in east London, closing a section of a major arterial road.
Around 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze on Ripple Road in Barking.
A section of the A13 has been closed as crews carry out firefighting operations, according to London Fire Brigade, which was alerted shortly after 12.45pm.
“Traffic will be heavily impacted as we work to bring the fire under control,” the brigade said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
A huge amount of smoke is being generated by the blaze, with people as far away as Wimbledon sharing pixtures of a dark plume hanging over the area.
Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed.
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Video: View of the fire seen from miles away
In Photos: Smoke seen billowing into the sky
A local resident passing by Barking riverside took a picture of the fire and posted it on social media.
Thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the sky.
Map of the area impacted by the fire
The London Fire Brigade has released a map of the area affected by the fire.
It appears to be a skip hire industrial site.
Around 100 firefighters called to tackle a fire in Barking
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on Ripple Road in Barking this afternoon.
Crews were called to the blaze impacting a two-storey building at an industrial estate, just before 1pm.
Residents have been advised to avoid the area where possible, and to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.
One of the Brigade's 32m turntable ladders is at the scene helping to tackle the flames from height and also provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view to help develop tactics to bring the fire under control.
Crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
The cause is not known at this stage.