Fire tears through six houses in a row in Dagenham, East London

A fire has engulfed six homes in Dagenham, East London, with some 100 firefighters at the scene.

The blaze broke this afternoon in two terraced homes along Third Avenue, sending thick clouds of smoke into the residential street.

Four nearby houses were torn apart by the fire, leaving double-storey extensions and some or entire back gardens completely charred.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area while locals should keep their windows and doors closed.

Road closures are in place.

The cause of the fire is unclear, fire officials said.

Six houses on the street were damaged by the blaze (Picture: Marcin Nowak/LNP)

The blaze broke out in two terraced houses in a residential neighbourhood in east London (Picture: UKNIP)

Fire crews from nearby east London areas have been called to help (Picture: UKNIP)

The cause of the fire is unclear (Picture: UKNIP)

The brigade received around 50 calls about the inferno from 1.33pm. Ambulance crews are also at the scene.

Station Commander Darren McTernan, who is at the scene, said: ‘Crews are working hard to bring the fire under control.

‘We’re asking residents in the local area to keep windows and doors closed due to significant amounts of smoke being produced from the fire.

‘Road closures are in place and the area is heavily congested. People are urged to avoid the area where possible.’

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said earlier: ‘We were called at 1.41pm today to reports of a fire on Third Avenue, Dagenham.

‘We have sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and members of our hazardous area response team.

‘The incident is still ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners.’

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