Barking fire LIVE: Huge blaze erupts in east London, closing section of A13

A huge fire has erupted at an industrial estate in east London, closing a section of a major arterial road. Around 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze on Ripple Road in Barking. A section of the A13 has been closed as crews carry out firefighting operations, according to London Fire Brigade, which was alerted shortly after 12.45pm. “Traffic will be heavily impacted as we work to bring the fire under control,” the brigade said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. A huge amount of smoke is being generated by the blaze, with people as far away as Wimbledon sharing pixtures of a dark plume hanging over the area.Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed. Follow the latest updates below...Camera images show huge queues forming on the A13Huge queues are forming on the A13 as traffic is backed up in one direction.Emergency crews continue to deal with a major blaze at an industrial site in Barking.Camera images from Goresbrook West at around 3pm show a long line of vehicles backed up on one carriageway. Traffic appears lighter in the opposite direction.The A13 has been closed westbound from the Goresbrook Interchange.Smoke is reportedly blowing across the carriageways. Traffic backed up at Goresbrook WestTfL Open DataCouncil urges residents to 'keep windows and doors closed' A spokesperson for Barking and Dagenham Council said: “Due to a fire in a warehouse near Ripple Road, Barking we are advising people to avoid the area and use alternative travel routes.“The London Fire Brigade are on site, and residents in the immediate area should keep doors and windows closed where possible. “We'll keep you updated.”Motorists warned of 'long delays' on the A13There are "long delays" on the A13 due to the fire at an industrial site in Barking, according to an AA alert. The road is partially closed as smoke is blowing across the carriageways. A statement reads: "Road closed, long delays, building fire, smoke blowing across the road, congestion to, detour in operation."Road closed and long delays due to building fire at an industrial Unit and smoke blowing across the road on A13 into town from A1306 (Goresbrook Interchange) to Maybells Commercial Estate. Congestion to Rainham, with delays through Dagenham as traffic diverts."Video: Smoke rises above chimneys in BarkingVideo: View of the fire seen from miles awayIn Photos: Smoke seen billowing into the sky A local resident passing by Barking riverside took a picture of the fire and posted it on social media. Thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the sky. Map of the area impacted by the fireThe London Fire Brigade has released a map of the area affected by the fire.It appears to be a skip hire industrial site. Around 100 firefighters called to tackle a fire in Barking Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on Ripple Road in Barking this afternoon. Crews were called to the blaze impacting a two-storey building at an industrial estate, just before 1pm. Residents have been advised to avoid the area where possible, and to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.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. Crews from Barking, Dagenham, Ilford and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause is not known at this stage.