The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Noxious gas fears after huge fire
Dalgety bay: Public told to stay indoors and keep windows shut
People were told to stay in their homes last night following a massive fire at a derelict industrial unit in Dalgety Bay.
Huge palls of choking black smoke were seen from miles around as a blaze tore through the huge empty block on Hillend Industrial Estate, believed to be owned by Springfield Properties.
Five Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews tackled the flames, which at the fire’s height were seen shooting through the roof of the building.
Police advised members of the public living to the east of the industrial estate to stay indoors with their windows and doors shut, amid noxious gas fears.
The alarm was raised at around 6.40pm and five appliances rushed to the scene in Ridge Way.
Traffic diversions were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area.
Inspector Mark Logue said this was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of those living in the immediate area.
Resident Andy Dickerson said: “There’s black smoke everywhere, it’s pretty noxious stuff. Signs had been put up on the building saying ‘asbestos, keep out’.”
Others took to social media to describe the smoke as being like burning rubber. The building has lain empty for several years, having been an antiques warehouse and electronics firm.
Mr Dickerson said the site had become an “eyesore and dangerous”.
The fire was extinguished shortly after 10pm but police and emergency services remained at the scene.
Traffic diversions were still being imposed but police did not consider the public to be at risk and the advice to stay indoors was lifted.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is being carried out by the police and fire services.
Thanking the public for their cooperation, police urged anyone with any information to contact local officers on 101 quoting incident number 3038 of September 6.