A huge fire has broken out in east London, forcing the closure of a stretch of the A13 and prompting a major emergency response, authorities say. Firefighters, police and ambulance crews remain at the scene as thick smoke billows across the surrounding area and nearby properties are evacuated while teams work too contain the blaze. Motorists are being asked to avoid the affected section of the A13 and expect significant delays as diversion routes are put in place. Follow our live coverage for the latest on the emergency response, road closures and travel advice.
Huge blaze engulfs east London industrial area forcing closure of a major arterial route and disrupting the commute
Thick plumes of smoke and towering flames lit up the skies over east London this morning as a large industrial unit went up in flames, forcing the immediate shutdown of a key arterial route and stranding rush-hour traffic for miles. Witnesses described a chaotic scene of fire engines and police vehicles converging on the area while workers and nearby residents were shepherded away from the site. Emergency services confirmed multiple appliances are tackling the blaze, and authorities have issued a public safety advisory urging people to avoid the vicinity and to keep windows and doors closed where smoke is visible.Local transport operators reported widespread disruption; affected services include:
- Road closures and long delays on the A13 and surrounding feeder roads
- Bus diversions and suspended stops along the affected corridor
- Temporary evacuations of adjacent industrial premises
- Minor delays on nearby rail links as emergency access is maintained
fire crews, supported by specialist units, continue an ongoing containment effort as police maintain a large cordon and diversion routes are signed. The London Fire Brigade has deployed multiple teams and is using aerial ladders to tackle hotspots while ambulance crews remain on standby for precautionary checks; no serious injuries have been confirmed at this stage. Below is a quick snapshot of the incident for commuters and local residents:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. start | 07:40 BST |
| Crews on scene | 10+ fire appliances |
| Affected stretch | A13 – eastbound & westbound diversions |
| Advice | Avoid area; follow police and TfL diversion signs |
Firefighters escalate response with multiple appliances and aerial support as crews battle intense flames and contain hazards
Fire crews have significantly ramped up their response after flames tore through a commercial unit in east London, deploying a large number of appliances and specialist aerial rigs to tackle the blaze from above and protect surrounding buildings. Witnesses reported thick black smoke visible for miles as teams worked to establish multiple water lines and a safety cordon; more than 10 fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, and a hazardous‑materials unit remained on scene as crews focused on preventing the fire spreading to nearby industrial premises. Emergency services confirmed a precautionary evacuation of adjacent properties and urged the public to avoid the area while operations continue.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East London industrial estate |
| Time reported | Early afternoon |
| Units on scene | 10+ appliances, aerial support, hazmat |
| Road impact | Section of A13 closed |
Commanders at the incident saeid crews were also working to contain a number of hazards, including stored chemicals and potential gas risks, and that specialist teams were monitoring air quality. Police and transport authorities have put traffic diversions in place and advised motorists to follow official routes; investigators will move in to establish the cause once the area is deemed safe, with updates expected throughout the evening.
- Public safety: avoid the vicinity and follow official advice
- Transport: expect delays and follow diversions
Air quality advisory issued for surrounding neighbourhoods with clear guidance for vulnerable residents and workers on exposure reduction
An air-quality advisory has been issued for neighbourhoods downwind of the blaze after elevated smoke and particulate levels were detected by monitoring stations. Residents moast at risk – including children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma, COPD or heart conditions – are urged to minimise exposure immediately:
- Stay indoors: keep windows and doors closed and set ventilation systems to recirculate where possible.
- Reduce exertion: avoid outdoor exercise or heavy physical work until air quality improves.
- create a cleaner-air room: choose an interior room, seal gaps, and run a HEPA air purifier if available.
- Monitor symptoms: seek medical help for severe coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting.
Local health services and the council are updating live air-quality maps and guidance – follow official channels for area-specific alerts and shelter options.
Workers operating outdoors and employers must take immediate steps to protect staff while emergency response continues: reduce outdoor tasks, introduce frequent breaks in clean-air zones, and rotate duties to limit exposure. Where outdoor work is unavoidable, provide and enforce use of respiratory protection: FFP2/N95-class masks are recommended over single-layer cloth coverings to filter fine particulate matter. Quick reference:
| Mask | When to use |
|---|---|
| FFP2 / N95 | Outdoor work, heavy smoke |
| Surgical mask | Short, low-exertion tasks |
| Cloth mask | Last resort – limited protection |
Employers should document risk assessments, provide training on correct mask fit, and prioritise vulnerable employees for reassignment or leave. If anyone experiences worsening symptoms, call emergency services immediately and inform on-site managers so responses can be escalated without delay.
Motorists and local businesses urged to use designated diversion routes and public transport alternatives while recovery and safety inspections proceed
Emergency services have closed the affected stretch of the A13 after a significant blaze, and recovery teams remain on site while engineers carry out structural and safety inspections. Motorists and traders are asked to avoid the cordoned area where possible and follow the temporary diversion signage; traffic marshals and police are managing junctions and enforcing access controls to protect crews and the public, so delays and restricted loading access should be anticipated for several hours.
Commuters are being encouraged to switch to public transport and businesses to postpone non‑urgent deliveries until roads reopen; always check live travel updates before departing and cooperate with on‑scene stewards who will direct permitted movements. For immediate routing and service options, consult TfL and local council feeds and consider the alternatives below.
- Use Central line or London Overground for east-west journeys through the area
- Follow signed diversions via A118/A406 for through traffic
- Local deliveries: reroute via Barking Road or seek council permit for restricted access
| Route | Estimated delay | Recommended substitute |
|---|---|---|
| A13 eastbound | 30-60 mins | Central line + bus |
| Local deliveries | 15-30 mins | Barking Road diversion |
| Freight / HGV | Variable | Contact borough for escorted access |
In Retrospect
What happened on the A13 remains an active incident. Emergency services remain on scene and firefighters continue efforts to bring the blaze under control; a section of the A13 is closed and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police are providing updates and advising drivers and commuters to expect significant delays and to use choice routes or public transport where possible.
At the time of writing there has been no definitive statement on the cause of the fire; a full assessment and any subsequent examination will follow once the scene is made safe.Anyone with information, dash‑cam or mobile footage that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact police via official channels.
We will continue to monitor developments and update this live blog as more details – including the extent of disruption, road reopening times and any official statements – become available. For the latest travel advice and emergency updates, follow London Evening Standard coverage and official updates from the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and TfL.