A huge fire has erupted at an industrial estate in east London, closing a section of a major road.
Around 125 firefighters are tackling the blaze on Ripple Road in Barking.
A section of the A13 has been closed as crews carry out firefighting operations, according to London Fire Brigade, which was alerted shortly after 12.45pm.
“Traffic will be heavily impacted as we work to bring the fire under control,” the brigade said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Follow the latest updates below...
New statement from the LFB
17:23 , Alastair Lockhart
The London Fire Brigade has released a new statement.
The fire is still being tackled by firefighters and the cause is not yet known.
A spokesperson said: “Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters have been called to a fire on Ripple Road in Barking.
“Firefighters are tackling a large fire impacting a two-storey warehouse at an industrial estate. Due to the hot weather conditions and the heat of the fire, more firefighters have been mobilised to the scene to ensure there are enough resources to allow firefighters to take breaks and cool off.
“A number of cylinders were removed from the scene and cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. The building was evacuated before the Brigade arrived and there have been no injuries reported.
“One of the Brigade's 32m turntable ladders is at the scene helping to tackle the flames from height and also provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view to help develop tactics to bring the fire under control.
“Residents are advised to avoid the area where possible, and to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke. There is significant travel disruption in the area and part of the A13 has been closed.
“The Brigade's Control Office took the first of 15 calls at 1247 and mobilised crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations to the scene.
“The cause is not known at this stage.”
Firefighters making 'steady progress'
16:47 , Alastair Lockhart
‘Steady progress’ is being made in tackling the fire, the London Fire Brigade has said.
The blaze is continuing to affect traffic in and around east London this afternoon.
Around 125 firefighters are tackling the fire.
Firefighters are making steady progress at the warehouse fire on Ripple Road, but are likely to be at the scene for the next few hours. There is significant travel disruption in the area due to the A13 being partly close. https://t.co/49gSYmMy4j pic.twitter.com/ecIrDPgjRe
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 12, 2026
Camera images show huge queues forming on the A13
15:20 , Megan Howe
Huge queues are forming on the A13 as traffic is backed up in one direction.
Emergency crews continue to deal with a major blaze at an industrial site in Barking.
Camera images from Goresbrook West at around 3pm show a long line of vehicles backed up on one carriageway. Traffic appears lighter in the opposite direction.
The A13 has been closed westbound from the Goresbrook Interchange.
Smoke is reportedly blowing across the carriageways.
Council urges residents to 'keep windows and doors closed'
15:07 , Megan Howe
A spokesperson for Barking and Dagenham Council said: “Due to a fire in a warehouse near Ripple Road, Barking we are advising people to avoid the area and use alternative travel routes.
“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.”
Due to a fire in a warehouse near Ripple Road, Barking we are advising people to avoid the area and use alternative travel routes
— Barking and Dagenham Council (@lbbdcouncil) August 12, 2026
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 pic.twitter.com/8kGPG7G0Eq
Motorists warned of 'long delays' on the A13
15:02 , Megan Howe
There are "long delays" on the A13 due to the fire at an industrial site in Barking, according to an AA alert.
The road is partially closed as smoke is blowing across the carriageways.
A statement reads: "Road closed, long delays, building fire, smoke blowing across the road, congestion to, detour in operation.
"Road closed and long delays due to building fire at an industrial Unit and smoke blowing across the road on A13 into town from A1306 (Goresbrook Interchange) to Maybells Commercial Estate. Congestion to Rainham, with delays through Dagenham as traffic diverts."
Video: Smoke rises above chimneys in Barking
15:00 , Megan Howe
Barking is literally on fire pic.twitter.com/kVQbgno3Bg
— Juju (@justice4pluto_) August 12, 2026
Video: View of the fire seen from miles away
14:40 , Megan Howe
A lot of smoke from this large fire in Barking. pic.twitter.com/xbyZtxIo5E
— David J (@d_jooste) August 12, 2026
In Photos: Smoke seen billowing into the sky
14:39 , Megan Howe
A local resident passing by Barking riverside took a picture of the fire and posted it on social media.
Thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the sky.
Something on fire Barking Riverside 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XUfyoaFwIK
— Cockney_Villan (@Cockney_Villan) August 12, 2026
Map of the area impacted by the fire
14:36 , Megan Howe
The London Fire Brigade has released a map of the area affected by the fire.
It appears to be a skip hire industrial site.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters have been called to a fire on Ripple Road in #Barking. More info to follow. pic.twitter.com/qcQKhcZw9N
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 12, 2026
Around 100 firefighters called to tackle a fire in Barking
14:34 , Megan Howe
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on Ripple Road in Barking this afternoon.
Crews were called to the blaze impacting a two-storey building at an industrial estate, just before 1pm.
Residents have been advised to avoid the area where possible, and to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.
One of the Brigade's 32m turntable ladders is at the scene helping to tackle the flames from height and also provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view to help develop tactics to bring the fire under control.
Crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
The cause is not known at this stage.
