A huge fire has broken out near railway lines in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, forcing the suspension of all services to London Liverpool Street station and leaving drivers surrounded by smoke on the M25. Dozens of firefighters are at the scene tackling the blaze.
All services to the station have been suspended, and Greater Anglia trains are being diverted via Seven Sisters. Motorists have been urged to avoid the M25 between Junctions 25 (Enfield) and 26 (Waltham Abbey), close to where the fire is burning.
Emergency response and affected routes
More than 50 calls were made to emergency services after thick clouds of smoke emerged around the M25 at around 2pm. Greater Anglia said the London Fire Brigade had asked for train services to be suspended because of several fires near the railway line.
Routes hit by the closure include Stansted Airport, Cambridge North, Meridian Water in Hertfordshire and Hertford East. Rail carriers have warned of significant delays across the network until further notice.
Operator statement
A Stansted Express spokesperson said: “Train services running through this station may be delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Disruption is expected until further notice.
“Unfortunately, we have received reports of multiple fires close to the railway lines and as a result, and a safety precaution, the London Fire Brigade have instructed that all train movements in the area be stopped.
“In reaction trains towards and from Liverpool Street will be diverted via Seven Sisters until further notice.
“Network Rail and the emergency response team are on site working as quickly as possible to put out the fires and restore the train service to normal.”
Affected passengers can use their tickets elsewhere. Greater Anglia tickets can be used on London Underground services, plus Great Northern, Thameslink, London Buses and London Overground train routes.
Fire brigade equipment
A London Fire Brigade spokesman added: “One of the Brigade’s Terrain Support Vehicles has been sent to the scene to support firefighting efforts.
“The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.
“Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.”
