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Pothead
11-12-2007, 11:07 AM
Major fire in east London
Monday, 12 Nov 2007 13:00

The Stratford warehouse fire darkened skies over east London

A major fire at what is believed to be a warehouse facility in east London has sent a large plume of smoke over the city.

Fifteen fire engines and around 75 firefighters are currently in attendance to fight the blaze, at Waterden Road in Stratford, after the fire developed in late morning.

London Fire Brigade said the first of over 150 calls about the fire was received at 12:06 GMT.

Blue skies over the east of the city were turned a dark grey as the plume of smoke drifted over the area.

After rising in a distinct plume the cloud appeared to disperse, with smoke drifting lower and lower in an easterly direction.

According to unconfirmed media reports the warehouse involved was the site of a disused bus station close to the Olympic site.

A Metropolitan police spokesperson denied suggestions of terrorist involvement, saying there was "certainly nothing to suggest it isn't anything more than just an ordinary fire".

The fire is located close to the site of the 2012 Olympic Games, but is not thought to be threatening the ongoing development work.

"I thought it was a cloud at first," an eyewitness said.

"But it was a perfectly clear day and the smoke was pitch black. It looks the same colour as the smoke that might come from a large plastic or rubber fire."







peace

Pothead
11-12-2007, 11:30 AM
its still on fire two hours later, its on BBC News 24 now as breaking news!


peace

wegface
11-12-2007, 11:46 AM
Saw the smoke from out my windows as soon as it started. Wondered what it was. Luckily its off on the horizon. Nice one pothead, faster news than the bbc ;)

Pothead
11-12-2007, 11:56 AM
its ok man, i try!:D

Update- no reports of any injury's and transport seams to be moving as normal (Except the train line near the fire because of smoke) and no reports of it being a terrorist attack! the building is still on fire at this time


peace

Pothead
11-12-2007, 01:34 PM
The Olympic Delivery Authority confirmed the fire was within the Olympic site.

"The fire is on the western edge of the Olympic Park on the site of an empty warehouse, behind the bus depot on Waterden Road." said a spokesman.

"The warehouse is in the process of being demolished. The London Fire Brigade is on site and the ODA's site staff are working closely with them."

London Mayor Ken Livingstone praised the efforts of fire crews.

A spokesman for East London Buses, whose premises are next door, confirmed they had evacuated their site.

Bus routes in the area have been disrupted. Trains are not stopping at Hackney Wick station.

Some firms a few hundred yards away from the site have been evacuated. One worker said: "The heat was so intense you would feel it through our windows."

Some drivers on the M11 at Stansted said they could see the smoke from their vehicles.

David Higgins, Chief Executive, Olympic Delivery Authority said: " "There will be a full investigation into this fire in a disused warehouse which was being prepared for demolition. Initial indications would suggest that this was an accident rather than arson. We are in touch with local residents and are keeping them informed of the situation.

"There has been a first class response from the emergency services. Meanwhile work is continuing in the rest of the park.



peace