People have been left homeless tonight after a huge fire ripped through their block of flats in Borehamwood this afternoon.
Dozens of firefighters rushed to Balmoral Drive at around 3.20pm after more than 60 999 calls came flooding in.
Photos and video showed a fireball at a three-storey property near the junction with Howard Drive sending thick smoke over the town.
The photos also show a roof has been totally destroyed with damage so severe, people reportedly won't be able to move back in.
Residents were quickly evacuated from their homes and a wide police cordon and several road closures were put in place to give firefighters and paramedics space to work and respond.
Around ten fire engines were at the scene at the height of the fire, with an incident response unit, the fire brigade's command support unit, and more than 25 police officers being called out.
The fire has now been put out and there have been no reports of casualties at this time.
The cause of the fire is unconfirmed.
Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright said that the fire spread from one building to another and smoke was still pouring from one of the residential buildings at 6pm as crews used an aerial ladder platform to fight the fire.
A large police cordon has remained in place this evening.
Residents left homeless have set up camp at The Venue leisure centre, where staff from Hertsmere Borough Council, the police, Clarion Housing, leisure contractor InspireAll, and members of the public looking to help have attended.
According to ward councillor Dan Ozarow, damage to the affected buildings is so bad, some residents will need to be permanently rehoused.
Cllr Ozarow thanked the emergency services and says he is thinking of distressed residents at this time and is sending his support to those affected.
Cllr Bright said this evening: "Our communities, our council workforce and our local elected representatives have rallied swiftly in the wake of this shocking incident to ensure everyone is provided with the immediate support they need.
"We will continue to do all we can in the coming days to carry on coordinating that practical assistance. We are so grateful to everyone who has offered support and supplies.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to our excellent emergency services for their prompt response and leadership at the scene of the fire.”
Borehamwood councillor Michelle Vince described the fire as "horrific" and says she has spoken to people at the scene who are 'distraught and shocked" and "fear they've lost everything".
She also wrote on Facebook: "Please avoid Balmoral Drive due to severe fire. If you are a resident of the block affected and you need emergency help or accommodation please call Clarion (Housing) on 0300 100 0303.
"Please quote this number NPA 1332586. I have had assurance from Clarion that a representative from them will soon be on site."
She added: "If you are looking for someone from the affected block police are directing people to The Venue."
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