Why were fire engines and police in St Albans Road, Watford?

St Albans Road was shut near the junction with Station Road shortly before 3pm with police and several fire engines spotted nearby.

Herts Fire and Rescue Service failed to provide details at the time – but a spokesperson has confirmed this morning (November 23) what happened.

Four engines from Watford, Garston and Rickmansworth stations were sent to deal with reports of smoke billowing from behind a building on St Albans Road at 2.27pm.

The fire was reportedly at a property off this alleyway between Summit Chiropractic and Richer Sounds. (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

Upon arrival crews found an outbuilding at the side of a domestic property totally ablaze. Firefighters used hose reels to extinguish it by 2.45pm.

The cause has been listed as accidental.

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Numerous onlookers questioned what was going on as police cordons blocked the main stretch and buses were being diverted.

Officers at the time confirmed they were only present to help with the road closure and it was a fire service-led incident.

Police closed St Albans Road in Watford as fire crews worked nearby. (Image: Kelly Neilson)

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