By Kirsty Topping
Smoke billowed across the river Forth
More than 1000 tonnes of scrap was ablaze at a Scottish scrapyard today (fri).
Firefighters from across Fife rushed to the fire at RM Supplies in Inverkeithing, Fife after a fire was reported at 5.45am.
Crews from as far away as Glenrothes, a 20 mile journey, helped tackle the blaze, which was still burning well into the afternoon.
A spokesman for Fife Fire and Rescue Service said the yard was “well alight” and that cranes within the yard were being used to remove debris from the top of the scrap pile to get to the fire underneath.
Due to the number of crews attending, eight at the fire’s peak, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue were left to provide cover for the area.
Operations Area Manager Ian Vincent of Fife Fire and Rescue Service said:
“This is a particularly difficult incident due to the amount of scrap involved. It’s estimated there’s around 1000 tonnes of scrap affected and we are grateful for the efforts of the owners of the yard who helped clear a path to the base of the fire. At the moment the fire is being brought under control and we plan to scale our operation down overnight. “
Large plumes of smoke billowed into the sky above the area, however, emergency services insisted there was no danger to local residents, but advised them to keep their windows closed.
Cranes helped fire crews remove debris from the area
Gordon McLaren, NHS Fife Consultant in Public Health Medicine, commented:
“We have been working closely with colleagues in SEPA, Health Protection Scotland, Fife Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies throughout the day.
“Although it is unlikely that there is any significant risk to the public health from this fire, we would advise people to take a common sense approach.
“Currently the plume from the fire is reported to be dispersing well, but if people are aware of obvious smoke or a detectable smell, we suggest a precautionary approach by staying indoors and closing windows and doors until the fire is extinguished and any smoke has cleared.
“This precautionary approach applies particularly for people with chest and heart conditions. “
