M25 closed both ways after St Albans warehouse fire

A significant fire at a commercial premises in St Albans, Hertfordshire, forced the closure of a major section of the M25 motorway in both directions on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, amid warnings of a risk of secondary explosions. Emergency services responded to the blaze at Ventura Park on Old Parkbury Lane, with the closure affecting the stretch between Junction 22 for St Albans and Junction 21A near the Essex border.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 9:21 a.m. and were battling the fire with ten fire engines and an aerial ladder platform. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber stated that firefighters were "working hard to bring the situation under control" and that the service had received a significant number of calls about the incident. As a precaution, residents in the local area were advised to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the vicinity while emergency crews worked.

National Highways implemented the full motorway closure at the request of the fire service due to the risk of secondary explosions, with smoke and debris affecting the carriageway. The agency reported that drivers faced delays of...