Dagenham fire: 100 firefighters rush to street covered in smoke
As many as 100 firefighters are at the scene on Third Avenue, Dagenham, this afternoon.
Around 100 firefighters have rushed to a blaze in east London, with pictures showing the entire street covered in smoke.
15 fire engines are stationed on Third Avenue, Dagenham, this afternoon, with two homes on fire.
London Fire Brigade urged people to avoid the area as they tackled the inferno.
An LFB spokesperson said: "We now have 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters attending a fire on Third Avenue in #Dagenham, where two houses are currently alight. Please avoid the area and keep windows closed due to smoke."
The fire has now been brought under control, however "hot spots" remain, according to LFB.
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED...
Smokes pours from the windows of the charred houses
Images show smoke emanating from the front windows of the burning homes, despite the fires appearing to start at the rear of the properties.
Aerial images show the shocking devastation
Pictures taken from the air show the back of six houses ravaged by the flames.
The gardens and backs of the homes appear scorched, as firefighters tend to the remaining flames.
Fire now 'under control' but 'hot spots' remain
Crews have brought the blaze under control, according to LFB.
However the fire is not completely out and firefighters continue to battle.
The house fire in #Dagenham is now under control but crews are continuing to damp down remaining hot spots.
\u2014 London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 26, 2024
We are expected to be on scene throughout the evening https://t.co/5oE6AyEa4d pic.twitter.com/QYQk8yALv5
Six houses 'damaged by the blaze' - London Fire Brigade
The LFB has taken to X to say six houses in total have been damaged in the fire.
They are not aware of any casualties.
Aerial shots reveal the scale of the blaze
The sheer scale of the residential blaze revealed by shocking aerial footage.
Dagenham fire: Aerial view shows large residential blaze
Latest update from then London Fire Bridage
The LFB have said in the last hour that they're continuing to tackle the fire and that roads in the area are "congested".
Crews are continuing to tackle the house fire in #Dagenham.
\u2014 London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 26, 2024
Road closures are in place and the area is heavily congested. Please avoid the area where possible https://t.co/IEKM2XgXFe pic.twitter.com/X0p2bnatcL
Cause of the fire remains unknown
According to the London Fire Brigade, Control Officers have taken around 50 calls about the fire.
The cause remains unknown.
Crews from surrounding areas scrambled to combat the blaze
According to the London Fire Brigade, firefighters from Barking, Hornchurch, Leytonstone and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
Update from the London Fire Brigade Commander
Station Commander Darren McTernan, who is at the scene, said: “Crews are working hard to bring the fire under control.
"We're asking residents in the local area to keep windows and doors closed due to significant amounts of smoke being produced from the fire.
"Road closures are in place and the area is heavily congested. People are urged to avoid the area where possible."
Express.co.uk approached London Fire Brigade
This website has contacted the London Fire Brigade to confirm reports we have received about the source of the fire.
Stay tuned for updates as soon as we get them.
Local resident believes fire started from a property's garden
Local resident David Carter told Express.co.uk that he believes the fire may have started from the garden of a property. However, we are yet to independently verify this.
David, who lives nearby, told this website that three fire engines arrived on the scene initially before more arrived.
Picture from the scene shows smoke billowing into the air
An image shared with the Express by local resident David Carter shows thick black smoke floating into the air.
Are you near the scene too? If you have any images of videoes of the fire you wish to share with Express.co.uk, please email max.parry@reachplc.com
The London Fire Brigade take to social media to warn residents
According to the London Fire Brigade, two homes are on fire and around 100 firefighters have been summoned.
The service is encouraging people to avoid the area and keep their windows closed if they live nearby.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire on Third Avenue in #Dagenham.
\u2014 London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 26, 2024
Control Officers have taken around 50 calls about the fire.
People are asked to avoid the area where possible & advised to keep windows closed due to smoke.
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/kVGAhJlrGp
Where is the fire ablaze?
Below is a map of the area where the fire is burning.
Third Avenue in Dagenham, east London, is close to the picturesque Beam Parklands Country Park and The Leys park.
Dagenham itself is sandwiched between Rainham in Essex and Barking in east London.
Welcome to our live blog
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the fire in Dagenham, east London.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from the ground.
If you are in the vicinity of the fire or have anything to share with us regarding the blaze, including pictures and video, please contact me at: max.parry@reachplc.com.
