Hemel Hempstead fire: People evacuated from their homes

Emergency services attended the property in Thumpers, Hemel Hempstead

People have been evacuated from their homes after firefighters tackled a "major" blaze affecting a row of terraced houses.

Hertfordshire Fire Service was called at 05:21 BST to the fire on Thumpers in Hemel Hempstead where the roof had collapsed.

"Everyone was safely accounted for" and the occupant of the house was "safe and well", a spokesman said.

The cause of the fire was believed to be accidental, he added.

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were used to fight the blaze, the fire service said

An investigation into the cause of the fire, which was put out by 07:15, is due to take place.

"On arrival, fire crews found a terraced house with the first floor and roof well alight," the spokesman said.

"Firefighters evacuated neighbouring properties as the fire was spreading to them through the roof."

Crews from across Hertfordshire were sent, people were asked to avoid the area and surrounding roads were closed.

The roof of one property collapsed, affecting neighbouring houses