Roof caught fire at former BMW showroom in St Albans Road

The fire service were alerted to a fire shortly after 2pm, after receiving around 15 emergency calls.

Six fire engines were dispatched to the scene, including crews from Watford, St Albans, Rickmansworth, Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley, and Hertford, as thick smoke billowed into the air.

Other images show a firefighter battling the flames while on top of an aerial ladder.

The scene in St Albans Road on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue

An aerial ladder was used to put out the flames. Credit: Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue

The fire service says the roof to a part of a showroom that had been partly demolished caught fire and the fire is believed to have been accidental.

Area commander Simon Tuhill tweeted: "Attended a 6 pump fire in #Watford yesterday. Lots of smoke from a fire in a roof under demolition. Meant @HertsFRSControl took 15 999 calls in very quick time.

"Professionally dealt with by the crews/officers. Superb work all."

The damage to the showroom which was already under demolition. Credit: Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue

A video screenshot of the smoke in the air after a fire broke out

St Albans Road was closed in both directions between the Dome Roundabout and Bushey Mill Lane by police who asked the public to avoid the area while crews dealt with the fire.

The fire service says the incident was ended shortly after 3.30pm.

Police cordoned off the scene while firefighters made the scene safe. Credit: Twitter/@gemchatter

The site affected was a BMW and Mini showroom until it was closed down and boarded up.

In May, Watford Borough Council granted permission to demolish the showroom and build a four-storey building comprising of 72 flats.

Read more: BMW showroom to be demolished for 72 flats