Eight fire engines were called to a tower block blaze in Hemel Hempstead as roads were left in “chaos”.
At just after 2pm today, Herts Fire and Rescue Service received a call reporting that smoke was billowing from a flat in KD Towers, between The Plough roundabout (often known as ‘the magic roundabout’) and Cotterells.
Hemel Hempstead fire crews arrived within five minutes of being sent to the scene and crews searched for the source of the smoke, using thermal imaging and a drone.
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Firefighters evacuated the more than 20-storey building, alongside Herts Police, as they searched for and extinguished the blaze.
There have been no reported casualties or missing persons, and it is believed that the fire started accidentally.
Assistant chief fire officer Mark Barber said: “We know that being asked to evacuate due to a fire can be alarming and distressing, and I’d like to thank residents for dealing with the situation at KD Tower this afternoon so well.
“Fortunately, the fire was contained and nobody has been hurt in this incident, so residents have been able to return home quickly.
“I’d also like to thank our crews for their professional and swift response – and for their hard work putting this fire out.”
Motorists reported "chaos" at The Plough roundabout for hours as emergency services responded.
The lower floors in the building are used for office space with the apartments above.
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