A Romford fire broke out near the A12 at the Mawney Road junction and sent thick black smoke across the road, forcing motorists to turn around as visibility dropped. Drivers were being told to avoid the area and use other routes while the blaze spread.
A12 at Mawney Road
The fire was believed to have started on a farmer’s field near the junction. Thick black smoke billowed over the A12, and the scene was visible from a considerable distance, giving nearby residents a clear view of large plumes rising into the sky.
That combination of spread and smoke left the road unusable for some drivers almost immediately. The report said motorists were reportedly turning back as the view ahead worsened, which meant traffic movement depended on how quickly drivers could find a different route.
Drivers in Havering
Emergency services were believed to be making their way to the scene while the blaze continued to spread. The Havering Daily said it would bring further updates as soon as more information became available.
The report also mentioned Marlborough Road in Collier Row, placing the incident within the wider local area and showing how quickly the smoke and disruption could be noticed beyond the junction itself. For anyone heading through Romford, the practical step was simple: stay away from the A12 near Mawney Road until the fire was brought under control.
The unanswered point is the one that still matters most to people who were caught near the smoke: what caused the fire, and whether the road will need more time before traffic can move normally again.
