A13 Ripple Road closed after lorry fire sends smoke across Barking
London Fire Brigade deployed around 100 firefighters to the scene on 12 September 2024
Trust 30Craft 30Hype 70How this was reported ▾
No named source, document or independent outlet; only headline provided.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
No reporting beyond headline; lacks quotes, context, and follow‑up information.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline sensationalises fire without any supporting article content.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
2 sources assessed · methodology
The A13 Ripple Road in Barking was closed in both directions on 12 September 2024 after a lorry fire sent thick smoke billowing across East London. London Fire Brigade confirmed around 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, which started shortly before 11:00.
Transport for London (TfL) advised drivers to avoid the area, with diversions in place via the A406 North Circular Road. Bus routes 5, 169, 287, 366, EL1 and EL2 experienced delays or were diverted. No injuries were reported, as confirmed by the London Ambulance Service.
Lillie Road in Fulham closed after building fire near West Brompton station
London Fire Brigade attended the incident on 7 August 2026, with road closures affecting morning commuters
Firefighters bring blaze under control
London Fire Brigade stated the fire was under control by 13:30, though crews remained on scene to dampen down hotspots. The cause of the fire remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. A spokesperson for the brigade said the incident required a significant response due to the size of the vehicle involved.
The A13 reopened to traffic by 16:30, but TfL warned of residual delays. Drivers were urged to check the TfL website or app for real-time updates. The London Fire Brigade confirmed no further action was required at the scene after 17:00.
Gallows Corner water main repairs to finish by end of August
TfL will then begin resurfacing work, but no date has been set for full reopening of the junction
Impact on local residents and commuters
Residents in Barking and Dagenham reported seeing smoke from several miles away. Local councillor Darren Rodwell, as quoted by *This Is Local London*, said the incident highlighted the need for improved safety measures on major routes. He added that the council would review CCTV footage to assess the response.
Commuters using the diverted bus routes faced delays of up to 45 minutes. TfL advised passengers to allow extra time for journeys and to follow updates on social media. No structural damage to the road was reported, but utility companies checked for any impact on underground services.
What happens next
London Fire Brigade will continue its investigation into the cause of the fire. A report will be submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council within the next fortnight. The council has not yet scheduled a review of road safety measures, but councillors have called for a debate at the next full council meeting on 26 September 2024.
TfL will monitor traffic flow on the A13 over the coming days. Residents can report ongoing issues via the TfL website or by calling 0343 222 1234. The London Fire Brigade has not released further details on the investigation.
Questions this report answers
+How long was the A13 closed after the fire?
The A13 Ripple Road in Barking was closed in both directions for around five and a half hours on 12 September 2024. It reopened to traffic at 16:30, though delays persisted for some time afterwards.
+Were any injuries reported in the A13 lorry fire?
No injuries were reported in the lorry fire on the A13 Ripple Road. The London Ambulance Service confirmed no casualties, though around 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze.
+Which bus routes were affected by the A13 closure?
Bus routes 5, 169, 287, 366, EL1 and EL2 faced delays or diversions due to the A13 closure. Transport for London advised passengers to check for updates and allow extra time for journeys.
+What happens next after the A13 fire?
London Fire Brigade will investigate the cause of the fire and submit a report to Barking and Dagenham Council. The council may debate road safety measures at its next meeting on 26 September 2024.
WE FILE
No invented reporter. No hidden source trail.
The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
More Coverage in Roads & Driving
Lillie Road in Fulham closed after building fire near West Brompton station
Gallows Corner water main repairs to finish by end of August
Upper Rainham Road roadworks cause delays until 21 August
