Extensive Fire at Historic Paper mill in Apsley 👨‍🚒🚒

Photos show emergency fire crews battling a large blaze at Apsley industrial site

The blaze started at the visitors centre yesterday (Saturday, January 22) at the Frogmore Old Paper Mill site in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead.

Assistant Chief said “We used large numbers of firefighters in breathing apparatus who had to work really hard in the challenging conditions to stop the fire spreading.” One industrial unit approximately 50m x 10m well alight. 

Police closed off public access to Durrants Hill Road whilst fire crews tackled the blaze.

“It was deemed that the fire was started deliberately and investigations are continuing.

“A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”

The company commented “Following a fire Frogmore Paper Mill will be closed to visitors until further notice. Whilst nobody was hurt, there has been extensive damage to the visitor centre. We’re grateful for the quick response of Herts Fire Rescue and their work to bring the fire under control”

The paper mill continued with “We’re now in the process of assessing the damage to the site and our collection and are hopeful that our historic working paper machines have survived. We’ll also be working with the Police and Fire Service to help determine the cause of the fire.”

Christmas 2019 before the pandemic.