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Risk of explosion at sun-care firm blaze shut M25

Nicola Haseler,in St Albansand
Alex Pope,Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Watch: Risk of explosion at sun-care firm fire closed M25

The risk of an explosion at a large fire at a sun-care company's premises closed both carriageways of the M25 between junctions 22 and 21A.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue was called to the blaze at Malibu Sun, at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, in St Albans, at 09:21 BST. Other units and warehouses at the industrial estate were evacuated.

National Highways said 15 crews had been at the scene and the motorway had been closed because of the risk of a "secondary explosion, along with smoke and debris affecting the carriageway".

It was shut for about one hour and reopened at about 12:15 with 40mph speed restrictions.

Nicola Haseler/BBC Smoke billowing across the M25, showing the road closed without any traffic on it. Trees are either side of the road.Nicola Haseler/BBC
The M25 was closed as smoke drifted across the carriageways

Malibu Sun has been approached for comment.

Its website says it is a "British-made" sun protection company founded in 1999.

More from Beds, Herts & Bucks:

Nicola Haseler/BBC A fire engine on a road with a yellow hose pipe coming out of it. There is a white van to the right, and a man by it. There are trees behind the vehicles and a path to the right. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Fire crews remained in the area on Monday

People were asked to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area.

Hertfordshire Police confirmed the M25 had shut because of "smoke from a warehouse fire".

It said there were also road closures in St Albans, at Colney Street and Old Parkbury Lane.

National Highways said because the premises was close to the railway line, Network Rail had a representative on site liaising with the fire service.

Nicola Haseler/BBC The shut M25, showing a bridge across it. Smoke is billowing up in the air and the bridge has railings on it. There are trees either side.Nicola Haseler/BBC
People were asked to avoid the area

Deputy chief fire officer Mark Barber said the service had "received a significant number of calls regarding this incident".

"I would like to reassure residents that firefighters are working hard to bring the situation under control."

He said ten fire engines remained at the scene on Monday afternoon and crews had "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."

He thanked the public for their patience and understanding.

Nicola Haseler/BBC Aman Thakkar standing outside by a sign. He has short hair and a beard, and is wearing a black jumper. He is looking straight at the camera and buildings are behind him, but blurred. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Aman Thakkar, who works on the industrial estate where the fire started

Aman Thakkar is one of the founders of Encourt Padel & Wellness Club, next door to where the fire took hold.

He said the club's building had been "evacuated immediately".

He said staff members had heard a noise and got everyone out.

"It was obviously a bit of a shock.

"The emergency services were super prompt. We can't thank them enough, the whole estate was super helpful."

He said his business was still intact, but had closed for the day.

National Highways A large plume of smoke by the M25 motorway, with cars on the road across a bridge. Trees are to the left and all around the road. National Highways
National Highways closed the road for about an hour

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