Barking Fire Sends Huge Smoke Plume Across East London
A major fire broke out at an industrial estate on Ripple Road in Barking, East London, on Wednesday, August 12, sending a huge plume of black smoke into the sky and prompting a large emergency response.
The London Fire Brigade said it received its first call at 12:47 p.m., with reports of heavy smoke coming from the site. Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, with crews arriving from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and surrounding stations.
The smoke was visible for miles and a strong smell was reported across parts of East London.
At a Glance
- Location: Ripple Road, Barking, East London
- Incident: Industrial estate fire
- Emergency response: Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines
- First reported: 12:47 p.m.
- Smoke: Thick black smoke visible across the area
- Traffic: Part of the A13 closed
- Cause: Not yet known
Latest Developments
Firefighters remained at the scene as crews worked to bring the Barking industrial estate fire under control.
The scale of the response highlights the seriousness of the incident, with multiple fire stations sending crews to the scene. The London Fire Brigade also warned that the blaze was producing a large amount of smoke.
Residents close to the fire were advised to keep their windows and doors closed where possible as firefighters continued operations.
A13 Traffic Disruption
The fire is also affecting traffic around Ripple Road and the A13, one of the major routes through East London.
A section of the A13 has been closed while emergency crews operate at the scene. Drivers travelling through Barking and surrounding parts of East London should expect disruption and consider alternative routes while the firefighting response continues.
The closure also makes the precise location of the incident particularly important for motorists searching for Barking fire today and A13 traffic updates.
Smoke Spreads Across East London
One of the most visible aspects of the incident has been the enormous column of black smoke rising above Barking.
The smoke has reportedly been visible from considerable distances, while residents in surrounding parts of East London have reported a strong smell.
Although smoke from a major fire can travel well beyond the immediate incident area, the fire service’s advice is focused on people near the affected area keeping doors and windows closed.
What Caused the Barking Fire?
The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the blaze once it is safe for them to access the affected area.
At this stage, there is no confirmed information indicating whether the fire was accidental, electrical or deliberately started.
What’s Next?
Firefighters will continue working to contain and extinguish the blaze while authorities manage the surrounding roads and assess any wider impact.
The next important updates are likely to concern whether the fire has been fully brought under control, when the A13 can reopen and whether investigators are able to determine how the blaze started.
For residents and commuters, the immediate priorities remain smoke safety, road closures and avoiding the active emergency area.
FAQ
Where is the fire in London today?
The fire is at an industrial estate on Ripple Road in Barking, East London.
How many firefighters are responding?
Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines have been deployed.
Is the A13 affected?
Yes. A section of the A13 has been closed while firefighters tackle the blaze.
Can the smoke be seen from far away?
Yes. A large plume of black smoke has been visible across parts of East London.
What caused the fire?
The cause remains unknown and is expected to be investigated once the emergency response allows.
Should residents close their windows?
Yes. People in the local area have been advised to keep doors and windows closed because of the heavy smoke.