M25 havoc: Huge lorry blaze forces closure of busy motorway as firefighters tackle massive fire

National Highways first reported the fire just after 3am this morning, with the vehicle being described as "well alight".

Emergency services are in attendance, with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service leading the response.

Traffic officers from National Highways are managing the congestion behind the blaze and will continue to provide updates.

The road has been closed due to the intensity of the fire, with the aim of allowing fire crews to safely extinguish the fire and manage the scene.

Fire crews will continue to extinguish the blaze to ensure the vehicle is safe before recovery can begin.

Once the fire is contained and extinguished, specialist recovery will be required to remove the heavy goods vehicle.

Drivers are being warned of long delays on the M25 this morning

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Teams will then conduct inspections of the carriageway and infrastructure to check for any fire-related damage.

National Highways has warned that repairs or clean-up may be needed before the road can reopen.

However, there is no current timetable available for a reopening time, with the closure likely to remain in place into the morning peak.

National Highways said: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response

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Repairs or clean-up may be needed before the road can reopen

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Road users travelling anti-clockwise are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol visible on local road signs

• Exit the M25 at J27 onto the M11 southbound and continue to J4
• Exit the M11 onto the A406 headed westbound and continue for approximately six miles to the junction with the A10
• Take the A10 headed northbound to re-join the M25 at J25

There is no estimated time for reopening, prompting National Highways to advise motorists to avoid the area

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

National Highways has also issued a separate warning on the M25 between J27 and J26, effectively closing the motorway from J28 to J26.

Emergency services, including Essex Police, are at the scene dealing with another vehicle fire, with traffic officers from National Highways also in attendance.

Since there are long-term roadworks at Gallows Corner, the usual agreed diversion at the closure cannot be used.

Traffic looking to travel anti-clockwise between J28 and J26 will need to travel along the following route

• At J28: Exit the M25 onto the A12 eastbound
• Continue along the A12 eastbound towards J15
• Exit the A12 at J15 onto the A414 northbound towards Chelmsford
• At the Widford roundabout, take the first exit and continue on the A414 westbound
• Continue along the A414 westbound to J7 of the M11
• Take the first exit onto the M11 southbound at J7
• Exit the M11 onto the A406 westbound and continue for approximately six miles to the junction with the A10
• Take the A10 northbound to rejoin the M25 at J25