Massive fire in London ahead of Olympic closing ceremony

London, Aug 13 (IANS) A blaze described as the biggest to have happened in London in several years broke out Sunday, and more than 200 firefighters had to battle it out.

The London Fire Brigade said it was called around 1.15 p.m. about a fire at a recycling centre in Dagenham, east London. At least 40 engines tried to combat the blaze, Xinhua reported. There were no reports of injuries.

The venue is not very far from the Olympic park, where the closing ceremony was due to be held. The BBC said the wind was likely to take the smoke northwards during the evening, away from the stadium.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "We have not seen a fire of this size in London for several years. It's certainly a dramatic end to the Olympics for the London Fire Brigade. That said though, we are still able to attend incidents across the capital and the fire cover we are providing at the Olympic venues has not been affected."

It was not clear how the blaze started.