Fire crews battle Glasgow inferno

FIREFIGHTERS were tackling a large blaze today at a warehouse in the east end of Glasgow.

Crews were called to the scene at Blochairn Fruitmarket in Blochairn Road at 3.44am.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said 12 fire engines and four aerial appliances were involved in the operation at the two-storey warehouse.

Speed restrictions were also introduced on the nearby M8 as a result of drifting large plumes of smoke caused by the blaze.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters are currently tackling a large fire within a warehouse in Blochairn Road. “Twelve appliances and four aerial appliances were mobilised after the alarm was raised at 3.44am.”

Insp Stuart Cleminson, from Police Scotland, said water pressure problems were causing the fire crews battling the blaze difficulty. Speaking at the scene, he said: “The site itself employs about 400 people who have now all evacuated out.

“But, more than three hours later, the building is still well ablaze. “Fire and rescue are working extremely hard to get the fire out.

“However, they are having several issues in the area relating to the water pressure, so Scottish Water are here at the moment and they are trying to boost the water.

“No one has been injured at this time, but the crews are really struggling to get on top of it.”

Police Scotland said Blochairn Road, between Royston Road and Siemens Place, had been closed due to the fire with local diversions in place.

Hundreds of traders work at the market, supplying fresh fruit and vegetables and fish to shops and restaurants in the west of the country.

Onlookers near the scene of the blaze, where drifting plumes of smoke saw speed restrictions put in place on the M8.