Eight fire engines called to Oaklands College in St Albans
The discovery centre caught fire at Oaklands College campus in St Albans. Picture: Supplied - Credit: Archant
A large-scale fire has broken out in a discovery centre at Oaklands College’s St Albans campus.
The fire service was called to Oaklands College in Hatfield Road at 12.19pm today, and two fire engines were initially sent to the scene, shortly followed by four more.
A large section of cladding inside the discovery centre had caught alight.
Firefighters are using two jets and two sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the blaze, and the fire service has sent a further two fire engines, making eight in total.
Police were also called at 12.21pm to help the firefighters.
The discovery centre caught fire at Oaklands College campus in St Albans. Picture: Supplied - Credit: Archant
According to police, everyone is safely out of the building and officers remain at the scene to stop vehicles from entering the grounds.
A tweet from Oaklands College said: "Fire brigade are on site dealing with a fire at the Discovery Centre, St Albans Campus.
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"We can confirm students and staff are all safe and well."
The fire is causing delays for traffic travelling down Hatfield Road and drivers are advised to avoid the area.
The discovery centre caught fire at Oaklands College campus in St Albans. Picture: Supplied - Credit: Archant
Oaklands College has cancelled lessons this afternoon and students have been told to come in for exams only.
Principal Zoe Hancock said: "I can confirm there was a fire at our St Albans campus today. All students and staff are safe and the incident is being managed by the emergency services.
"The college will be open as usual on Monday and the summer Fair will go ahead on Sunday as planned.
"We are actively relocating students to alternative spaces and will be informing them all directly."
Firefighters tackled a large-scale blaze at Oaklands College in St Albans. Picture: Herts Fire and Rescue Service - Credit: Archant
Firefighters tackled a large-scale blaze at Oaklands College in St Albans. Picture: Herts Fire and Rescue Service - Credit: Archant
