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A significant fire broke out at the premises of Malibu Sun, a sun-care company located at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street in St Albans, leading to major disruptions on the M25 motorway. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly when the blaze was reported at 09:21 BST. Due to concerns over a possible explosion, the incident resulted in the evacuation of nearby warehouses and other units within the industrial estate.
The M25 was closed in both directions between junctions 22 and 21A as a precaution against potential secondary explosions and because smoke and debris were affecting the motorway. National Highways confirmed that around 15 fire crews attended the scene. After roughly an hour, the motorway reopened around 12:15 but with a reduced speed limit of 40 mph to ensure safety while the situation was still being managed.
Authorities advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area entirely. Hertfordshire Police also confirmed road closures in St Albans, specifically at Colney Street and Old Parkbury Lane. Given the proximity of the fire to a nearby railway line, Network Rail had a representative on site to assist and coordinate efforts with the fire services.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber addressed the public, acknowledging the volume of calls received about the fire and assuring the community that firefighters were working tirelessly to control the situation. He stated that ten fire engines remained on site in the afternoon and that the fire had been contained within the unit. However, he warned that full extinguishment could take several more hours, thanking the public for their patience throughout the ongoing emergency.
One nearby business owner, Aman Thakkar, co-founder of Encourt Padel & Wellness Club, spoke about the immediate evacuation of their premises following the outbreak. He recounted that staff heard a noise which prompted the evacuation and praised the response of emergency services and the wider industrial estate for their assistance. Although his business had to close for the day, he confirmed that his premises remained undamaged.
Malibu Sun, established in 1999 as a British-made sun protection brand, has yet to provide a public comment regarding the incident. Meanwhile, fire crews remain on site working to completely extinguish the fire and secure the area
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