Key Points
- 70 firefighters tackled a large fire at an industrial estate in Rainham on 6 April 2025
- Incident involved containers, seven vehicles, and scrap metal
- Fire broke out on Willoughby Drive and prompted over 50 emergency calls
- No injuries reported, but smoke triggered public health advice
- Two gas cylinders safely removed and cooled as a precaution
- Crews from London Fire Brigade and Essex County Fire & Rescue attended
- Turntable ladder and drone team used to assist operations
- Fire under control by 16:23, cause under investigation
Seventy firefighters and ten fire engines were deployed to an industrial fire in Rainham on Sunday afternoon, where flames engulfed containers, vehicles, and scrap metal, producing thick black smoke visible across the area.
The incident took place on Willoughby Drive at an industrial estate, where emergency services responded swiftly following more than 50 calls from members of the public. The fire was reported at 14:09 and brought under control by 16:23, with firefighters remaining on site into the evening to fully extinguish remaining hotspots.
What was involved in the Rainham industrial fire?
According to London Fire Brigade, the fire involved several shipping containers, seven vehicles, and a significant amount of scrap metal. The intensity of the flames and smoke made the incident highly visible.
Firefighters from Dagenham, Barking, Wennington, Hornchurch, Romford, and nearby stations worked alongside colleagues from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service. The deployment also included a 32-metre turntable ladder from Greenwich, which acted as a water tower to battle the blaze from above, and a drone team to provide aerial support for situational awareness.
Were there any injuries or evacuations in Rainham?
No injuries were reported during the fire. However, due to heavy smoke across the area, Station Commander Mel Anderson issued a warning to residents.
“This was a very visible fire and it has been producing a lot of smoke,” said Commander Anderson. “Whilst the smoke has now greatly reduced, we advise people in the area to continue to keep their windows and doors closed at this time.”
Did firefighters face explosion risks during the incident?
Yes, two gas cylinders were located near the fire zone. Fire crews removed them and cooled them to ambient temperature to prevent any risk of explosion, as gas cylinders can pose a serious danger when exposed to extreme heat.
How did fire services manage the incident?
The London Fire Brigade coordinated the response with Essex County Fire & Rescue. Advanced equipment, including the aerial ladder and drones, allowed crews to manage the fire efficiently and safely. The fire was fully under control within just over two hours of being reported.
What caused the Rainham fire?
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have not yet released further information.
