The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Positive line of inquiry’ into huge farm blaze fife: Police confirm fire at derelict farm has been fully extinguished and investigations are ongoing
Police say they are following a “positive line of inquiry” after launching an investigation into Thursday’s fire at a Dunfermline farm.
Fire crews remained at the derelict South Fod Farm almost 24 hours after a huge blaze ripped through a barn at the site, near Linburn Road.
Members of the public had been warned to remain indoors as the inferno raged, with the building said to have been full of asbestos.
After battling flames throughout the night, the remains of the building were still being dampened down by fire crews yesterday as police started to look into the cause of the blaze.
Confirming that there was no longer any risk to public health, a statement from Police Scotland said: “We can confirm that a fire at a derelict farm in Linburn Road, Dunfermline, has been extinguished.
“The incident was reported around 4pm on Thursday February 16.
“We attended and due to the nature of the blaze, a public safety message was issued advising the public to stay indoors with windows closed when possible.
“This is now cancelled and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“We would like to thank those in the Linburn Road area for their patience throughout this time.
“An investigation is now ongoing regarding the cause of the fire and officers are following a positive line of inquiry.”
Plumes of thick smoke were first reported coming from the derelict farm at around 4pm on Thursday.
Motorists on nearby roads were said to have been using their fog lights, such was the density of the smoke emerging from the burning barn.
At one point six fire crews were at the scene, including a high-rise platform, in a bid to bring the inferno under control.
Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.