Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a large blaze at an industrial estate in Barking this afternoon.
Containers and Rubbish Alight
London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that several shipping containers filled with mixed recycling, along with a pile of rubbish and a skip, had caught fire on River Road.
The flames sent smoke drifting across the local area, with residents advised to keep their windows closed as a precaution.
Water Relay Operation
Crews set up a water relay system to maintain a steady supply of water from the nearest hydrant to the site. Fire engines were stationed between the hydrant and the fire scene, linked together by hose to pump water directly to the flames.
A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station was also deployed to help bring the fire under control from above.
Under Control by Late Afternoon
LFB said they received the first of five emergency calls at 14:08. Firefighters from Barking, Plaistow, Ilford, Poplar, Stratford and Leytonstone were mobilised to the scene.
The fire was declared under control at 16:20, but crews remain on site to damp down hot spots and ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the blaze is not yet known, and an investigation is expected to be carried out once the area is made safe.
Read more from Barking and Dagenham.
