United Kingdom - A section of the main route north from London, the M1, was closed Friday because of a fire that spread to a junkyard containing gas cylinders, officials said. Vehicular traffic was diverted to other arterial routes out of London. The Daily Telegraph reported the fire had also affected nearby train lines, but most trains were running close to scheduled times.

The emergency apparently began after a car caught fire about 4 a.m. and flames spread to the junkyard.

The London Fire Brigade set up a temporary hazard zone in case the gas cylinders started exploding.

Eight fire engines and 40 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, but officials said the road could be closed until noon Saturday.

The fire could interrupt travel plans for many people who planned to take advantage of two four-day holiday weekends, including Easter April 24 and a royal wedding April 29. Prince William and Kate Middleton will be married at Westminster Abbey.

Written by United Press International