Some 125 firefighters rushed to Rainham after a warehouse went up in flames. The fire broke out in New Road today (Tuesday, December 31) and was first reported shortly after 10.20am.
An update from London Fire Brigade stated most of the warehouse is still alight. New Road remains shut in both directions while emergency services respond to the incident.
Two London bus routes, the 287 and 365, were diverted as a result of the closure. Heavy traffic built up on surrounding roads.
Crews from Wennington, Dagenham and Barking are among 12 fire engines which have responded to the incident.
A LFB statement reads: “Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters are tackling a fire at a warehouse on New Road in Rainham. Most of the warehouse is alight.
“The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed while the incident is ongoing. New Road is closed and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.
“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above. The Brigade’s Drone Team have been deployed to offer the Incident Commander an aerial view of the fire. A scientific advisor has also been mobilised to the scene to monitor air quality in the area.
“Control Officers received the first of 27 calls at 10.21am and have mobilised crews from Wennington, Dagenham, Barking and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
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Do you have any photos or videos of the fire? Email luke.donnelly@reachplc.com