Members of the public have been asked to “avoid the area” while a road is shut as firefighters tackle a major blaze.

A commercial building in Langley Wharf, Railway Terrace, Kings Langley, is engulfed in smoke after a "large fire" broke out this afternoon (January 30).

Herts Fire and Rescue currently has 12 fire engines at the scene and firefighters are working to contain and extinguish the blaze, as of 3.30pm.

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Herts Police, who are assisting the fire service urged members of the public to "avoid the area" and Hertfordshire County Council have confirmed that Railway Terrace is currently closed in both directions between the junction with Red Lion Lane and the junction with Toms Lane "so emergency services can work safely to tackle the fire".

"Local residents affected by smoke from the fire are advised to keep their doors and windows closed," a fire service spokesperson added.

Smoke can be seen rising above the building from across the Watford area this afternoon.

Watford Observer: Smoke rising from the fire in Langley Wharf, Kings Langley.Smoke rising from the fire in Langley Wharf, Kings Langley. (Image: Contribution)