A 40mph speed limit has been imposed on the M25 following a major fire at an industrial unit in St Albans, which earlier forced the closure of the motorway and caused severe disruption. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service implemented the temporary restriction after the motorway was reopened, as emergency crews continue to tackle the blaze.
Fire at Ventura Park triggers motorway closure
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the large-scale industrial fire at 9.21am on Tuesday, August 11, at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans. The fire service implemented a road closure of the M25 between junctions 22 and 21A, causing heavy congestion in the area due to a risk of a "secondary explosion" and/or smoke and debris affecting motorists.
Warehouses and neighbouring units have been evacuated while emergency services deal with the incident. Ten fire engines were battling the blaze, and the fire service said they had contained the fire within the unit, yet they reiterated their warning for the public to avoid the area until the incident concludes.
Speed restriction remains in place
The M25 has since been reopened; however, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have now implemented a 40mph speed limit while emergency services deal with the incident. No updates have been issued at the time of writing as to when this 40mph restriction will be lifted.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber said: "We are currently responding to a fire at a large industrial unit in Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans. Our control room has received a significant number of calls regarding this incident, and I would like to reassure residents that firefighters are working hard to bring the situation under control."
Firefighters continue to tackle blaze
Barber added: "Our firefighters have been working alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade to bring the fire under control, and have successfully contained the fire within the unit. Crews are continuing to tackle the fire, but we expect it to be several hours before it is extinguished."
As a precaution, residents nearby are being asked to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident. Barber thanked the public for their patience and cooperation, urging them to follow advice and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and effectively.
