‘Gigantic’ fire erupts on a boatyard near River Thames sending plumes of smoke over southwest London as locals report hearing explosions and fire crews warn people living nearby to shut their windows
- Fire began at Hampton Boat Sheds on Platt’s Eyot near Hampton, London, today
- Locals reported hearing explosions with video showing plumes of black smoke
- London Fire Brigade sent eight fire crews to battle the blaze at around 5.14pm
A ‘gigantic’ fire has erupted on a boatyard near the River Thames and sent plumes of smoke over southwest London as locals are warned to close their windows.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions after a fire engulfed an industrial unit on Platt’s Eyot, an island on the River Thames, near Hampton, London, today.
Those living nearby were warned to close their windows after the blaze erupted at the Hampton Boat Sheds at around 5.14pm, with pillars of smoke seen across south west London.
Locals have suggested the direction of strong winds saved a listed residential building on the island, with reports claiming residents had rushed in to save boats moored nearby.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed ‘some cyllinders’ were involved in the blaze.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions after a fire engulfed an industrial unit on Platt’s Eyot, an island on the River Thames, near Hampton, London, today
Those living nearby were warned to close their windows after the blaze erupted at the Hampton Boat Sheds at around 5.14pm, with pillars of smoke seen across south west London
It told MyLondon: ‘The Brigade were called at 5.14pm to reports of a fire by Lower Sunbury Road. An industrial unit on Platt’s eyot is alight.
‘So far there have been no reports of injuries and the fire is ongoing.
‘Eight fire engines have been dispatched.’
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, which was also in attendance, said on Twitter: ‘Our Joint Fire Control received 20 calls to #Hampton Boat Sheds this evening.
‘We are currently assisting @LondonFire at this incident.
‘Nearby residents should close windows and doors.’
Locals have suggested the direction of strong winds saved a listed residential building on the island. Pictured: The blaze
The London Fire Brigade confirmed ‘some cyllinders’ were involved in the blaze
Footage from the scene shows the blaze raging over the small island, with black smoke pouring into the sky near several small boats.
On Twitter, onlooker The Hamptonite said: ‘Police/fire moving people back. Lots of bangs and pops.
‘The fire is a long way from the road, surrounded by river But IT IS gigantic.’
They later added the blaze was blowing in the direction of a ‘handful of small boats’, including a boat used in the 2017 Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk.
Another post said: ‘The wind direction has saved the listed residential building on the far left.’