Rickmansworth Library closed until further notice after fire

Herts Fire and Rescue were called to reports of a blaze at Rickmansworth Library, in the town's High Street, at around 6.12am on Thursday (April 18).

Three fire engines were sent to the scene from Rickmansworth and Watford fire stations to find smoke rising from the building.

Firefighters entered the building and located and extinguished the source of the fire. They then ventilated the library to clear the smoke.

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Rickmansworth Library has shared a message announcing it is "closed until further notice".

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that no one was injured, as the fire started overnight when the library was closed.

It added that the fire crew arrived within minutes of being alerted, which prevented the fire from spreading to public areas.

A council spokesperson said: “Rickmansworth Library is currently closed following an electrical fire in a staff area in the early hours of Thursday morning.

“We are assessing the damage and what repair works will be needed before the library can reopen.

“Repairs may take a number of weeks, but we will confirm the reopening time-frame once the assessment is complete.”

Items taken from the library online, by calling 0300 123 4049, or by visiting Croxley Green Library, in Barton Way. Library cards can be used at ant Hertfordshire library.