Overview
- The London Fire Brigade was called at 6:13 p.m. to an industrial unit on Tunnel Avenue, deploying 10 engines and about 70 firefighters from East Greenwich, Greenwich, Deptford, Poplar and nearby stations.
- Crews brought the fire under control by 9:04 p.m., yet the brigade reported significant smoke at 9:30 p.m. and advised people in the area to keep doors and windows shut.
- Northbound routes were closed for safety, including the Blackwall Tunnel, the Silvertown Tunnel and the Blackwall Tunnel Approach from the Sun in the Sands roundabout, with local closures on Tunnel Avenue and Blackwall Lane.
- Firefighters used a 32‑metre turntable ladder to tackle the flames at the site as thick smoke affected visibility and travel in the area.
- The cause of the fire has not been determined, and a local councillor said the site was Vetraland Timber Merchants as transport warnings were issued to motorists and Charlton Athletic supporters after a nearby match.