Firefighters have been tackling a "large fire" at a historic site in Apsley this afternoon (Saturday January 22).

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue said it was dealing with a fire at an industrial unit after receiving numerous calls at around 3.30pm about smoke in the area.

A photo taken from the air showed at least seven fire engines lined up near the Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley with smoke billowing out of the site.

Frogmore Paper Mill, which is home to the oldest mechanical paper mill in the world, has confirmed on its website that it has suffered a fire and is currently closed.

The extent of the damage caused by the fire is not clear at this stage nor is it clear exactly where or what on the paper mill site has been affected. However, it doesn't appear that the paper mill itself has caught fire. 

One video shows bright orange flames ripping through a single storey building.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue tweeted at 4.25pm: "We are currently attending a large fire at an industrial unit on Frogmore Road, Hemel Hempstead.

"Please stay away from the area to give emergency vehicles access to the site as we continue to fight the fire."

The fire has since been brought under control and put out, however crews have remained on the scene throughout this evening.

Kings Langley fire station posted on Facebook: "At approximately 3.35pm, we were called together with crews from Hemel, Berkhamsted, Harpenden, St Albans, Watford, as well as the command support unit and incident support unit, to a fire in an industrial unit in Apsley.

"The fire is now all out but some crews will remain on scene."

Herts Fire Control said at 8.38pm: "The incident at Frogmore Road in Hemel Hempstead is still ongoing, with a large number of fire crew still in the proximity. Please do still avoid the area if possible."

When the fire was ongoing, Hertfordshire County Council, which runs the fire service, said that people living in the area should keep their windows and doors closed.

Some road closures are in place locally.