Lombard Wall in Charlton, the site of today’s fire. Image: Google Earth
Just after 4 pm today, the London Fire Brigade were called to a huge warehouse fire in Charlton in south east London.
Over 70 firefighters and ten fire engines arrived on the scene to fight the blaze.
LFB crews tackling Charlton warehouse blaze that could be seen as far as Twickenham. Image: @LondonFire
Surrounding buildings were evacuated and those in the area were told to keep doors and windows closed.
At its height, the fire, which also affected six lorries, produced plumes of smoke which could be seen for miles around.
Local road closures were put in place.
London City Airport tweeted during the incident to confirm that the blaze was not impacting on flights though the smoke could certainly be seen by aircraft landing and departing.
The fire damaged six lorries and part of the warehouse and four people were assessed on the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.
#Charlton fire: 6 lorries & part of a food distribution warehouse is alight london-fire.gov.uk/LatestIncident… © @mattclinch81 http://t.co/1TNxnguk6o
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London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) May 18, 2015People from all over London posted photos of the smoke on social media.
RT @LondonFire: The warehouse fire in #Charlton can be seen from miles away. If you're near please close doors & windows © @elmlean http://…
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malcolm crout8 (@MCrout8) May 18, 2015Station Manager Bruce Grain who was on the scene said:
During its early stages this was a very intense fire. Crews wearing breathing apparatus attacked it extremely quickly and thanks to their efforts the fire was prevented from spreading any further into the warehouse and causing even more damage.
The distribution centre was fitted with a sprinkler system which activated and this also helped reduce the impact of the blaze on the main building.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
@LondonFire http://t.co/fx24zBHbWn
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Sanda C (@sanda1974) May 18, 2015The fire brigade eventually tweeted that they had the blaze under control and the smoke was dying down.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed they have treated four patients for the effects of smoke.
Another LFB picture from early stages of #Charlton fire. Cause of the fire not yet known london-fire.gov.uk/LatestIncident… http://t.co/VYeX392Lyo
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London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) May 18, 2015#Charlton: We now have 2 ambulance crews, 2 duty officers & @LAS_HART at the fire with @LondonFire & @MPSGreenwich http://t.co/DBU7bYhq3x
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ChrisHawkswell, EP07 (@LAS_TacAdvisor) May 18, 2015#Charlton: Two patients with breathing problems after inhaling smoke are being assessed by our ambulance crews | @LondonFire @MPSGreenwich
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ChrisHawkswell, EP07 (@LAS_TacAdvisor) May 18, 2015We have attended a fire in charlton with @LondonFire http://t.co/MV3g7VU56R
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LondonAmbulance HART (@LAS_HART) May 18, 2015The fire at the #Charlton warehouse is now under control. Full story here: london-fire.gov.uk/LatestIncident… #Allinadayswork http://t.co/7McxXOf8fT
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London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) May 18, 2015Categories: News
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