A major fire erupted at a commercial property in Barking this afternoon, with around 100 firefighters rushing to the scene and a section of the A13 closed as thick black smoke billows across east London. The blaze, which broke out shortly before 1pm on Ripple Road, has forced the closure of a stretch of the A13, a key route to the M25 and Essex, causing likely disruption for motorists.
Firefighters battle blaze on Ripple Road
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to the fire on Ripple Road, Barking. The Brigade’s Control Office received the first of 15 calls at 12:47 and mobilised crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire is affecting a warehouse, according to Barking and Dagenham Council, and the cause is not yet known.
Emergency calls flooded in from concerned residents as a towering column of thick black smoke rose into the air, visible for miles on the other side of the River Thames. One resident in Woolwich near London City Airport warned: “There is a large fire in Barking on an industrial site and the smoke is blowing in our direction so you might want to close windows to prevent smoke fumes getting in.” Another person reported a “strong smell of smoke” in east London.
A13 closed and travel disruption expected
A section of the A13 has been closed as crews carry out firefighting operations, with the LFB advising people to avoid the area and use alternative travel routes. The council echoed this advice, urging residents in the immediate area to keep doors and windows closed where possible. Traffic is expected to be heavily impacted as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.
The closure comes amid a heatwave, and the major road shutdown could lead to a nightmare commute for motorists heading home. The A13 had also been closed yesterday due to a major fire, though details of that incident were not provided in this report.
Public advised to stay indoors
In a statement, the London Fire Brigade said: “The fire is producing a large amount of smoke. Where possible, residents in the local area should keep doors and windows closed.” The Brigade also noted that the cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
Barking and Dagenham Council posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The London Fire Brigade are on site, and residents in the immediate area should keep doors and windows closed where possible. We'll keep you updated.”
As of the latest update, firefighters remain on the scene, and the public is advised to avoid the Ripple Road area and expect ongoing travel disruption until the fire is brought under control.
