11 Aug 2026
Dramatic photos taken from across St Albans show the thick billowing clouds of smoke erupting from the fire at Ventura Park in Colney Street.
They include pictures taken from the roof of The Maltings Shopping Centre by manager Richard Marrett.
London firefighters are supporting their colleagues from Herts in bringing the inferno under control – and it may still be hours before this is achieved.
As has been widely reported, the blaze began in a large industrial unit at the site in Old Parkbury Lane at around 9.20 this morning.
Closures were put in place on the M25 between Junctions 22 and 21A due to smoke drift across the highway, and 10 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were dispatched to the scene.
The unit belongs to Malibu Sun and was used for the formulation, manufacture, warehousing and dispatch of Malibu Sun suncare and skincare products.
Deputy chief fire officer Mark Barber said: “Our firefighters have been working alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade to bring the fire under control, and have successfully contained the fire within the unit. Crews are continuing to tackle the fire, but we expect it to be several hours before it is extinguished.
“As a precaution, we are asking people living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation. Please continue to follow our advice and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and effectively.”
Three ambulances, the Hazardous Area Response Team, other vehicles and two air ambulances were sent to the scene by East of England Ambulance Service and one person has been taken to Watford Hospital for treatment.
The M25 has now been reopened under a 40mph speed limit, but the A5183 is closed to traffic because water pipes being used by firefighters are crossing the road.
Photos by Richard Marrett, Joanna Lippiatt, Craig Shepheard and Andy Love.
