Latest update as of Tuesday 19 July, 8.30pm

This afternoon (Tuesday 19 July), a fire has spread in the Beam Parklands / Ballards Road area in Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham Police, the London Fire Brigade and the council emergency response teams have been on site all afternoon. The London Fire Brigade are still tackling the blaze and there is currently thick smoke in the area with some roads closed.

At this stage we don’t have an indication as to how long it will take to get the fire under control. The London Fire Brigade are also tackling fires across London, including two fires in Havering and one in Redbridge.

Advice for residents who have been directly affected by the fire

Residents in some homes near the fire are being evacuated by the emergency services. If they can, they are being asked to stay with friends and family tonight as much as possible.

If they don't have any friends or family they can stay with, they are advised to go to a local rest centre at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club, Victoria Road, Dagenham, RM10 7XL. Transport to the rest centre is being provided for affected residents at the scene.

At the rest centre council staff are taking residents’ details and are coordinating what kind of support they need as this quickly moving situation unfolds.

Other residents in the wider area may need to close their windows and doors to stop the smoke from coming in.

Advice for other residents

People are being advised to avoid the area as local roads are likely to be severely congested.

Residents who have not been told to evacuate their homes are advised not to go to the rest centre as we are currently experiencing high numbers of people there - this will help us to make sure the right help gets to the people who are most in need tonight.

If donated items like clothing are needed, the council will let you know on our website and social media channels. In the meantime, please do not come to the rest centre with items for donation.