Firefighters are investigating the cause of a significant blaze in Barking after shipping containers and a van caught fire this afternoon.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of more than ten 999 calls at 2:02pm reporting the fire on River Road.

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Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters from East Ham, Plaistow, and Dagenham fire stations were quickly dispatched to the scene.

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Firefighting Effort

Upon arrival, crews discovered several ISO containers and part of a boxed van fully alight.

Firefighters tackled the blaze from multiple angles, including an aerial attack using a 32-metre turntable ladder and several hose reels.

The intense flames were eventually brought under control thanks to the coordinated efforts of the teams on the ground and from above.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire is not yet known and remains under investigation by fire officers.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:

We were called at 14:02 today to reports of a fire on River Road in Barking. Crews used hose reels and a 32-metre turntable ladder to extinguish the fire from above. The Brigade’s Control Officers received more than 10 calls about the incident. The cause is currently under investigation.”

Public Reaction and Safety Advice

Residents in the area were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke produced during the fire.

No injuries have been reported so far, and firefighters remain at the scene to damp down hotspots and ensure the area is safe.