Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Firefighters tackling huge blaze eight miles from Olympic Park

 

Pa
Sunday 12 August 2012 17:15 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 200 firefighters are tackling a blaze which is said to be the biggest in London for several years.

Forty fire engines have been sent to the incident at a recycling centre on Chequers Lane in Dagenham, east London, about eight miles from the Olympic Park.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “We've not seen a fire of this size in London for several years. It's certainly a dramatic end to the Olympics for the London Fire Brigade.

“That said though, we are still able to attend incidents across the capital and the fire cover we're providing at the Olympic venues has not been affected.

“We've got over 200 firefighters from across London working hard under challenging conditions to bring the incident to a close. Fortunately, we've not had any reports of injuries at this stage.”

He added: “At this stage we aren't sure how the blaze started as our focus is getting the flames under control.”

London Fire Brigade said a plume of smoke could be seen across London at the height of the incident.

A single storey recycling building, which is around 50 metres by 100 metres, was completely alight.

Firefighters were called at 1.15pm and crews from Dagenham, Barking, East Ham and surrounding stations were sent to the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

A spokesman for Locog said there was no indication that tonight's closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium would be affected.

“Everything is going on as planned,” he added.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in