Crews tackle chemical incident at Hemel Hempstead Royal Mail site

Darren Cook, assistant chief fire officer at the Hertfordshire service, said: “Our firefighters are trained to handle a wide range of complex incidents, including chemical-related emergencies both large and small.

“Crews responded swiftly and effectively, and we’re pleased that the situation was resolved safely.”

Minutes earlier, crews had been called elsewhere in the county where a fire spread to several buildings.

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder were sent to Longmore Close in Maple Cross, near Chorleywood, at about 21:09 BST.

A man was taken to hospital from Maple Cross by ambulance, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.