Overview

• The fire started around 12:00 BST on August 13 when a HGV carrying car tyres ignited between Junctions 30 and 29 on the anti-clockwise carriageway.
• Crews from Essex, Kent and London fire services, supported by police and National Highways, brought the blaze under control with no injuries or arrests reported.
• National Highways shut both carriageways, deployed hollow-square and triangle diversion routes and warned drivers to expect lengthy delays.
• Overnight emergency resurfacing and barrier repairs were completed, allowing the anti-clockwise side to reopen about 17 hours after the fire.
• Motorists still face residual congestion on surrounding routes as the investigation into the suspected vehicle malfunction continues.