M25 closed between St Albans and Maple Cross after warehouse fire
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has sent 15 appliances to a blaze near junction 22
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A fire at a commercial building near the M25 has forced the closure of the motorway between junction 22 (St Albans) and junction 21A (Maple Cross) in both directions. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident and said 15 fire appliances were at the scene.
Smoke and debris from the blaze have spread onto the carriageway, prompting concerns about potential explosions. The closure was implemented as a precautionary measure. Drivers in both directions are experiencing delays of around 60 minutes.
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Diversion routes in place
Traffic authorities have advised drivers to follow the Hollow Square diversion to bypass the affected section of the M25. Clockwise traffic should exit at junction 21A and take the A405 towards St Albans, then the A414 towards Hatfield and the A1081 before rejoining the M25 at junction 22.
Anti-clockwise traffic should leave the M25 at junction 22 and follow the A1081 towards St Albans, then the A414 towards Hemel Hempstead and the A405 towards Watford. Drivers can rejoin the M25 at junction 21A. The diversion adds significant travel time.
M25 overnight closures start 10 August between junctions 15 and 16
National Highways will shut sections of the motorway for four nights of roadworks
Railway lines under observation
Network Rail has sent a representative to the scene to assess potential impacts on nearby railway lines. The fire has raised concerns about the safety of rail infrastructure in the area, though no disruptions to train services have been reported so far.
Residents in the vicinity of the fire are advised to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
What happens next
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will continue to tackle the blaze, with updates expected as the situation develops. Drivers are urged to check traffic reports before starting their journeys and to allow extra time for delays.
No reopening time for the M25 has been confirmed. The diversion routes will remain in place until the fire is fully extinguished and the motorway is deemed safe for traffic.
Questions this report answers
+How long are the delays on the M25?
Delays of approximately 60 minutes have been reported for traffic in both directions between junctions 22 and 21A. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys due to the closure.
+What is the diversion route for the M25 closure?
Drivers are advised to use the Hollow Square diversion via the A405, A414 and A1081. Clockwise traffic should exit at junction 21A, while anti-clockwise traffic should leave at junction 22.
+Is the fire affecting railway lines?
Network Rail has a representative at the scene to monitor potential impacts on nearby railway lines. No disruptions to train services have been reported, but concerns remain due to the proximity of the fire.
+When will the M25 reopen?
No reopening time has been confirmed. The motorway will remain closed until the fire is extinguished and the area is deemed safe for traffic by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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