Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a building fire in Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich. London Fire Brigade was called to the industrial unit at 6.13pm this evening (Tuesday, November 4).
People in the area are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the plumes of smoke from the alight building. The Brigade has warned drivers approaching Blackwall Tunnel northbound will face disruption, with both Tunnel Avenue and Blackwall Lane shut.
Firefighters are using a 32-metre turntable ladder to put out the flames. Crews from East Greenwich, Greenwich. Deptford, Poplar and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
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We wil bring you further updates on our website in the morning. If you have any photos or videos from this incident, please contact emma.fradgley@reachplc.com
Pictures and videos from the scene
Local councillor for Greenwich Park ward Aidan Smith has shared footage of the fire. Plumes of smoke can be seen with numerous firefighters nearby.
Huge fire at Vetraland timber merchants on Blackwall Labe in #Greenwich. Avoid the area. Buses are diverted. pic.twitter.com/ZAuOgzWD1b
— Aidan Smith (@aidanmasmith) November 4, 2025
Road closures
Road closures are in place as firefighters tackle the blaze. The Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel are currently closed for motorists travelling northbound only.
The Blackwall Tunnel Approach us also closed northbound from the Sun in the Sands roundabout. Local road closures are also in place on Tunnel Avenue and Blackwall Lane.
Drivers travelling northbound are advised to find alternative routes and to expect extended journey times. Drivers travelling southbound via the Blackwall Tunnel may also face some disruption.
Nearby residents told to avoid area and plumes of black smoke fill the air
Nearby residents have been told to avoid the area and shut their windows and doors as plumes of black smoke arise from the timber merchants.
Multiple road closures are in place across the area.
Greenwich fire shuts Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels northbound
Drivers are facing severe delays due to the northbound closure of both Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. Both approach roads are shut with the closure spanning down to Westcombe Park station.
This has led to northbound delays stretching back through Blackheath towards Kidbrooke, with Blackwall Lane and Tunnel Avenue also entirely shut.
LFB has warned drivers crossing the tunnels southbound could face disruption due to the fire and adjacent closures.
Where did the fire happen?
Greenwich Park Councillor Aidan Smith said the fire broke out at Vetraland Timber Merchants in Greenwich.
Firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 6.13pm this evening.
Residents have been told to avoid the area and to keep their windows and doors shut.
Welcome to our live blog
We will be bringing you live coverage on the fire at Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich. There is currently 70 firefighters are the scebne with road closures in place.
Those who live nearby are being told to avoid the area and keep windows shut due to the amount of smoke.
