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Huge blaze at Olympics site

This article is more than 16 years old

A huge plume of smoke rose over London yesterday as firefighters battled to control a blaze at a disused warehouse on the site of the 2012 Olympic park.

Emergency crews were called just after midday as residents across the capital reported seeing the smoke rising thousands of feet into the air.

The disused warehouse in Hackney Wick, east London, was on the edge of the Olympic park, which is being prepared for the 2012 games, and had been due for demolition.

Last night the Olympic Delivery Authority said the fire appeared to have been started accidentally and confirmed its staff had been at the warehouse earlier in the day. David Higgins, chief executive of the ODA, said: "Initial indications would suggest that this was an accident rather than arson. We are in touch with local residents and are keeping them informed of the situation."

The London fire brigade said the warehouse was not in use but it was too early to say how the fire had started or what had caused the thick black smoke.

A spokesman said 15 fire engines and 75 firefighters were sent to the scene.

Last night people with respiratory problems were advised to stay indoors. Dr Keith Prowse, chairman of the British Lung Foundation, said: "We would ... advise anyone in the area who has a respiratory condition to stay indoors as the smoke could cause them problems."

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