TRAFFIC on the A13 in East London has been disrupted this afternoon (Wednesday, 12 August) by a major fire.

A large plume of smoke rose into the skies above the fire at a premises on Ripple Road in Barking where 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been tackling the blaze.

A number of cylinders were removed from the scene and cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

One of the Brigade's 32m turntable ladders is at the scene helping to tackle the flames from height and also provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view to help develop tactics to bring the fire under control.

Residents were advised to avoid the area where possible, and to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.

The Brigade's Control Office took the first of 15 calls at 12.47pm and mobilised crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations to the scene.

The cause is not known at this stage.