Rainham fire: Huge smoke cloud seen for 10 miles as 125 firefighters battle inferno
A huge fire has broken out in east London, sparking a mass emergency response of 125 firefighters on the scene.
A fire that can be "seen and smelt" for 19 miles is raging in east London, with scores of fire crews scrambling to bring it under control. The London Fire Brigade is urging people to avoid Rainham where two industrial units are alight with a 25-metre cordon now in place.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called at 1.11pm on Thursday afternoon (June 20). Posting to X, a statement said: "Two industrial units are alight in Rainham.
Crews are on scene and a 25-metre cordon is in place whilst we work to bring the fire under control. Please avoid the area where possible."
Fire crews from Barking, East Ham, Wennington, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. It is not currently known if anyone has been injured. Onlookers as far as Woolwich, which is 19 miles west, and a 50 minute drive away, say they can see the large plumes overhead.
This is a live blog. See below for the latest updates.
Fire now under control over six hours
Over six hours later the fire is now under control.
Here's the latest LFB statement:
"Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters tackled a fire at an industrial estate on Ferry Lane in Rainham.
"One warehouse containing multiple industrial units was alight. A 25-metre cordon was put in place as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.
"The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took almost 40 calls about a visible plume of smoke. People were advised to keep windows and doors shut in the local area due to the high volume of smoke being produced and avoid Ferry Lane if possible.
"The Brigade was called at 1311 and the fire was under control by 1750. Fire crews from Barking, East Ham, Wennington, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene, with support from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
That ends our live blog, thank you for following along.
Scene of destruction
Fire crews at the scene using hoses to put out the flames which can still be seen inside the warehouse.
Progress, however, is being made, according to the fire service.
One warehouse containing multiple units remains alight.
Crews expected to be on scene for several hours
Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for several hours to come, the Brigade was called at 1:11pm.
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters are tackling the fire.
No reports of injuries
The London Fire Brigade has confirmed they have not received any reports of injuries so far.
Fire far from over
Firefighters from Essex Fire Service and Kent Fire and Rescue are supporting the London Fire Brigade.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Dramatic scenes show firefighters tackling huge blaze
Dramatic pictures show firefighers tackling the huge blaze.
The industrial unit looks to be seriously damaged with London Fire Brigade warning that the fire is producing "a lot of smoke".
Heavy traffic on A13
Due to the building fire on Ferry Lane there is heavy traffic both ways from A13 (Ferry Lane Interchange) to Lamson Road, according to the AA.
There are a number of different businesses along Ferry Lane and it's unclear which is affected. Among those listed on Google are Sharp Skips, Pier Metals and Rubbish Clearance Essex.
People advised to keep windows and doors shut
People are advised to keep windows and doors shut in the local area and avoid Ferry Lane if possible.
Traffic is expected to be impacted moving Eastbound on the A13.
Statement from London Fire Brigade as cause of fire unknown
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters are tackling a fire at an industrial estate on Ferry Lane in Rainham.
A spokesperson from London Fire Brigade said: "Two industrial units are currently alight. A 25-metre cordon is in place as a precaution.
"The Brigade was called at 1311. Fire crews from Barking, East Ham, Wennington, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. Firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are supporting at the scene.
"The cause of the fire is not known at this time."
What's happening
A fire has broken out in Rainham, south East London. The London Fire Brigade has put a 25-metre in cordon in place and is at the scene.
Onlookers as far as Woolwich, which is 19 miles west, and a 50 minute drive away, say they can see the large plumes overhead.
The below picture was taken a mile away from the scene which shows smoke billowing from the area.
Welcome to our live coverage
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident.
The Express.co.uk team will be bringing you live updates after a raging fire was seen for 19 miles in east London.
The London Fire Brigade is urging people to avoid Rainham were two industrial units are alight.