Huge Blaze Breaks Out at Barking Industrial Estate
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters raced to tackle a massive fire that erupted this afternoon at an industrial estate in Barking.
Containers and Rubbish Up in Flames
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed several shipping containers stuffed with mixed recycling, along with a pile of rubbish and a skip, were ablaze on River Road.
Thick smoke poured across the area, forcing residents to shut their windows as a safety measure.
Water Relay Operation Keeps Firefighters Fighting
Crews set up a complicated water relay system, linking fire engines between the nearest hydrant and the burning site with hoses to pump water steadily onto the flames.
A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station helped douse the fire from above.
Fire Under Control but Crews Remain on Site
Five emergency calls arrived from 14:08, summoning firefighters from Barking, Plaistow, Ilford, Poplar, Stratford, and Leytonstone.
The blaze was declared under control by 16:20, though crews stayed on to extinguish hot spots and secure the area.
Cause Still Unknown
The cause of the fire remains a mystery. Investigators will begin once the site is confirmed safe.
