The M25 has been reduced to a 40mph speed limit following a major fire at an industrial unit in Hertfordshire that caused severe disruption on Tuesday morning, August 11. The motorway was fully closed between junctions 22 and 21A earlier in the day due to the risk of a secondary explosion and smoke affecting drivers, but has since reopened with the temporary speed restriction in place.
Fire at Ventura Park prompts evacuations
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze at 9:21am at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans. Warehouses and neighbouring units were evacuated as ten fire engines battled the fire. The service confirmed that the fire has been contained within the unit, but warned that it may take several hours to fully extinguish.
The closure caused heavy congestion on one of the UK's busiest motorways, with traffic cameras showing queues in the area. The speed limit reduction is intended to allow emergency services to work safely while they continue to deal with the incident.
Firefighters working alongside London Fire Brigade
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.”
He 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.”
Public advised to avoid area
As a precaution, residents nearby are being asked to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident. The fire service reiterated its warning for the public to steer clear until the incident concludes.
Barber said: “As a precaution, we are asking people living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident. I would like to thank the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation. Please continue to follow our advice and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and effectively.”
No update has been issued at the time of writing regarding when the 40mph restriction will be lifted. Motorists are advised to check live traffic updates before travelling and to expect delays in the area until the incident is fully resolved.
