NewsUK NewsFireLIVEUpdated 1 min agoPart of the M25 has been closed as a major fire has erupted at an industrial estate in St Albans, where a thick plume of smoke is rising over the motorwayThe fire is taking place close to the M25 in St Albans - and the motorway has been closed (stock)(Image: KMTV / SWNS)Updated 10:59, 11 Aug 2026A large fire is raging next to the M25 after breaking out at an industrial estate in St Albans.Part of the M25 has been closed and locals have been urged to keep their doors and windows closed, and to avoid the area while firefighters tackle the blaze. Dramatic images show the smoke rising over the nearby motorway.The motorway is currently closed between junction 21A and 22. Road closures are also in place in Colney Street and Old Parkbury Lane near to the centre of the fire.Herts Fire & Rescue said: "We are currently responding to an incident in Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans. If you live locally, we advise to keep doors and windows closed and please avoid the area while emergency crews carry out their work."‌View PostView PostToday10:57 BSTM25 closed in both directionsThe M25 near St Albans is closed in both directions between J22 and J21a due to a "significant off-network fire," National Highways has said.There is a risk of a "secondary explosion" while smoke and debris are affecting the carriageway, it adds.Drivers have been urged to plan ahead.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday10:53 BSTFire crews order closure of M25 as fire sparks 'risk of explosion'Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has requested the M25 be fully closed in both directions between J22 and J21A.National Highways says there is a risk of a "secondary explosion". Smoke and debris from the fire are also affecting the carriageway, it added.Today10:47 BSTWhere has the fire broken out?The blaze has engulfed a building at Ventura Park - a large industrial and logistics estate south of St Alban's city centre.The site features 15 units, including major commercial tenants like DPD, and sits near the M25 and M1 motorways.Ventura Park industrial estate in St Albans(Image: Google Maps)Today10:43 BSTFire service urges locals to 'keep doors and windows closed'Herts Fire & Rescue service have warned locals to keep thier doors and windows closed as smoke continues to pour from the scene of the fire at Ventura Park.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday10:40 BSTThick plume of smoke pours from blaze at St Albans industrial estateSmoke is pouring over the M25 from the blaze in St Albans.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌