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Firefighters battle for eight hours to extinguish ‘well alight’ fire at Vovem kitchen in Aberdeen

Nearby businesses were forced to evacuate as thick smoke blanketed Union Street and the surrounding area.

A huge emergency response was required at Union Row to battle a “well alight” restaurant fire.

Firefighters and police raced to the scene, at the back of Vovem restaurant, just before 12pm on Thursday, September 26.

A major police presence was established along Union Street from Summer Street to Bon Accord Street with several appliances including fire, police and ambulance on site.

While at the back were several fire appliances including a height vehicle which was dowsing water on the burning building.

Fire crews at the scene of the blaze on Union Row. Ross Hempseed/DC Thomson.

The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched their special operations team and ambulance to the scene.

As a precaution one person was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Closures were in place on Union Street, Summer Street, Union Wynd and Little Chapel Street. These roads have since reopened to traffic according to police.

Staff at the neighbouring clothing shop, Signature, were evacuated as well as staff from Vovem itself.

Flames could be seen shooting out the top of the building, believed to be the kitchen area. The building is located just opposite Union Plaza.

Thick white smoke also covered much of the surrounding area, as fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control.

Thick smoke billowed out around Union Row in the city centre

Flames at the building at the rear of Union Street. Image supplied by Fubar News.
Fire crews on Union Street. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.46am on Thursday, 26 September to reports of a commercial building fire in Union Street, Aberdeen.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised six appliances and other specialist resources to the scene where firefighters found Vovem Restaurant to be well alight.

“Crews extinguished the fire and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene as of 7.49pm.”

Police  have sealed off the entrance to Summer Street. Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

One witness said he was at Cafe 100 near Willowback Road and could still see the smoke.

“I turned onto Union Street and there was just white smoke everywhere,” he said.

“With all the smoke, I thought there was three buildings were on fire.

“I hope the place is okay – it’s a nice little business.”

Crews on Union Row where the roof of a building collapsed due to fire damage. Image: Scott Baxter / DC Thomson
The public has been asked to avoid the area. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

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