A tumble dryer caught fire at a launderette in East Twickenham this afternoon, causing traffic chaos throughout the borough.
Richmond fire brigade received numerous calls around 3pm today, after the dryer caught fire while in use.
Richmond fire fighter Paul Neil said: "We were called to a fire in a commercial launderette in Richmond Road, where a tumble dryer was damaged by fire.
"We used breathing apparatus and a hose reel. There were four machines there - two from Kingston, one from Twickenham and one from Richmond.
"All persons escaped before the arrival of brigades. The police were in attendance and there was a lot of traffic."
Richmond Road was closed between Richmond Bridge and St Margarets Road while crews tackled the fire, but Transport for London and London Fire Brigade have confirmed the road is open again, but traffic is moving slowly.
There is also a lot of traffic on Twickenham Bridge, but both areas are clearing.
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