Plumes of smoke darken London skyline for miles after huge fire

Danny Rigg

Published April 6, 2025 4:08pm Updated April 6, 2025 7:40pm

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A column of thick black smoke is rising from an industrial site where carscaught fire in east London.

The fire appears to have broken out at a scrap metal yard on Willoughby Drive near Dagenham around 2pm today.

No one appears to have been injured in the fire, which spread through three containers, several vehicles and scrap metal, London Fire Brigade told Metro.

At least 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters arrived on the scene with a 32-metre turntable ladder after around 50 calls reported the fire.

They have now brought it under control, but the flames have not yet been fully extinguished.

Gas cylinders at risk of exploding were removed in case they overheated. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Station Commander Mel Anderson said: ‘This was a very visible fire and it has been producing a lot of smoke.

Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade have been called to tackle a significant blaze at Beamway, — Smoke could be seen for miles around London (Picture: UKNIP)

‘Whilst the smoke has now greatly reduced, we advise people in the area to continue to keep their windows and doors closed at this time.”

‘We also request that drivers avoid Rainham Road South with road closures in place whilst this incident remains ongoing.’

‘We advise people in the area to keep their windows and doors closed. We also request that drivers avoid Rainham Road South with road closures in place whilst this incident is ongoing.’