Lorry Fire Brings M25 To Standstill In Hertfordshire

Motorists traveling on the M25 in Hertfordshire faced a day of gridlock and frustration on January 16, 2026, after a lorry fire forced the closure of the busy motorway in both directions between junction 25 (Waltham Cross) and junction 24 (Potters Bar). The incident, which unfolded just after midday, brought one of the UK’s most vital transport arteries to a sudden standstill, leaving drivers stranded for hours and causing severe delays as emergency services battled the blaze and managed the ensuing chaos.

According to reports from EssexLive and MyLondon, the first call about the fire was received by the London Fire Brigade at 12:55 PM. Within minutes, plumes of smoke could be seen rising above the motorway, a sight that quickly drew attention on social media and led to at least 15 calls to emergency services. The lorry, which was fully alight, posed a significant challenge for firefighters from both the London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who rushed to the scene with multiple engines and a water bowser to tackle the inferno.

National Highways, the agency responsible for the country’s major roads, responded by closing the M25 in both directions between junctions 25 and 24. The closure caused long lines of stationary vehicles, with traffic monitoring site INRIX and National Highways warning of delays initially estimated at 45 minutes but later stretching up to an hour as the situation developed. The closure affected not only local commuters but also those traveling through Essex and into Hertfordshire, with congestion quickly backing up to junction 26 for Waltham Abbey and as far as junction 22 (London Colney) in the clockwise direction.

Pictures shared by eyewitnesses and published by MyLondon and The Sun captured the scale of the disruption: firefighters working amid thick smoke, lines of fire engines parked on the carriageway, and motorists waiting in their vehicles, some for several hours. One particularly striking image showed an unidentified fluid running across the tarmac—a detail that prompted speculation but, according to reports, did not require an evacuation as it did not appear to be combustible.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service took the lead in managing the emergency response, supported by National Highways Traffic Officers. Their efforts were focused not only on extinguishing the flames but also on ensuring the safety of trapped motorists and minimizing the risk of further incidents. The emergency teams worked in tandem to release traffic that had become trapped between the closure points, a process that, according to MyLondon, was eventually completed once the fire was brought under control and the area was deemed safe for vehicles to move.

As the immediate danger subsided, attention turned to the aftermath. The burnt-out lorry, now a charred shell, blocked the carriageway and required specialized recovery equipment for removal—a task that, as of the afternoon, was still underway with no clear timeline for completion. In addition, the road surface needed careful inspection due to the fluid spill, further complicating efforts to reopen the motorway.

To manage the flow of diverted traffic, National Highways implemented emergency diversion routes for both clockwise and anticlockwise travelers. For those heading anti-clockwise, the recommended route was to exit at junction 25, take the A10 southbound to the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406 North Circular, follow the North Circular westbound to the A1, turn right onto the A1 northbound, and rejoin the M25 at junction 23. Clockwise drivers were directed to exit at junction 23, follow the A1 towards Central London, continue through several key junctions, join the A406 North Circular Road, and then return to the M25 via the A10 at junction 25. National Highways advised all drivers to allow extra journey time, consider alternative routes, or even delay their journeys if possible.

The incident occurred during a busy weekday afternoon, compounding the usual rush hour pressures and leaving many motorists frustrated and anxious. Social media channels and live blogs were inundated with updates, photos, and calls for patience as authorities worked to resolve the situation. Local news outlets, including EssexLive and MyLondon, encouraged affected travelers to share their experiences and images, while also offering advice on how to navigate the disruption.

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident—complete with towering smoke, fire engines, and miles of traffic—the reports did not confirm any injuries as of the latest updates. Emergency services remained cautious, however, with ongoing recovery and cleanup operations and continued monitoring of the road surface for safety hazards.

For many, the day’s events served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the UK’s motorway network to sudden and unexpected incidents. The M25, often dubbed “the London Orbital” and notorious for its congestion, was once again at the center of national attention—not for its usual traffic woes, but for an emergency that brought it to a standstill. As one driver caught in the chaos told MyLondon, “You never expect something like this to happen on your journey home. One minute you’re cruising, the next you’re stuck for hours watching smoke rise ahead.”

Authorities were quick to praise the swift and coordinated response of the emergency services. National Highways stated, “Emergency Services including Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are assisting with traffic management.” The agency also reiterated its commitment to keeping the public informed, offering regular updates through its website, social media, and local news partners.

As recovery work continued into the evening, drivers were urged to remain patient and vigilant, with the hope that the motorway would reopen as soon as it was safe to do so. The incident, while disruptive, was a testament to the professionalism of the UK’s emergency services and the resilience of its road users, who—despite the inconvenience—remained largely calm and cooperative throughout the ordeal.

By the end of the day, as the burnt-out lorry was finally removed and the last of the traffic began to move, the M25 gradually returned to its usual flow. For those caught up in the day’s events, the experience was a memorable—if unwelcome—reminder of how quickly an ordinary journey can be transformed by the unexpected.