Fire service at the scrap metal fire in River Road, Barking

Some forty firefighters, six fire engines and a fire boat were called to tackle a blaze at a scrap metal yard in River Road in Barking today (Thursday)

Some forty firefighters, six fire engines and a fire boat were called to tackle a blaze at a scrap metal yard in River Road in Barking today (Thursday).

A large pile of swarf — fine scrap metal chippings used in packaging — was the source of the fire at Pinns Wharf, although there was little immediate danger to bystanders.

“We have different risks that we are facing like high stacks of metal that could fall and we are very close to the water side.” said Sector Comander Paul McClenaghan.

Six pumps from Dagenham, Ilford, East Ham, Plaistow, and Bethnal Green fire stations arrived at the scene to perform a water relay, where water is fed through several engines, due to the area’s low water pressure.

The fireboat, from Lambeth, was able to shoot jets of water from the riverside to help quell the blaze before firefighters used a cherry-picker to spray water from above into hot spots.

“we have used our hydraulic platform which has given us that extra bit of safety and gives us a longer reach into the seat of the fire so that we can actually deal with it.”

Crews arrived within four minutes of the call which was made at 09.11am. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.