Fire crews are on the scene of a fire near Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen this morning – as nearby residents are forced to evacuate.
The fire began around 7.50am on Wednesday, January 22, at a premises on Merkland Road East.
Dark smoke could be seen billowing up into the air from across the city, eventually turning white.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, (SFRS) dispatched six appliances and the height vehicle to the scene.
It is understood the premises affected are Stag Motors and Pittodrie Car Stadium.
Visibly upset staff could be seen awaiting updates from the fire service close to the scene this morning.
Andrew Wright, Area Commander, and Local Senior Officer for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: “We were alerted at 8.02am on Wednesday, January 22, to reports of a commercial building fire at Merkland Road East, Aberdeen.
“Currently there are four appliances on scene at a car garage and firefighters are working to contain the fire and reduce fire spread.
“There are no reports of any casualties.
“Residents should be aware that there is no access to surrounding properties. Electricity and gas supplies may be shut off for prolonged periods of time.
“Properties within the area should keep windows and doors closed”.
Nearby homes evacuated due to car garage fire
Residents including student halls were asked to evacuate their homes by police.
A rest centre has been set up in Aberdeen Sports Village for residents evacuated from Ardarroch Close and Merkland Road East due to the nearby fire.
Anyone going to the centre are asked to take essential items such as any prescription medicine and warm clothing.
People taking pets should also bring their prescription medicine, along with leads, pet beds, and food.
As of 5pm, around 95 people have used the rest centre.
Children, adults, dogs, and cats have all been accommodated whilst evacuated from their homes.
Police and ambulance are also on the scene to assist the fire service.
One eyewitness said: “Yes – it looks bad – you can hear shots of flammable materials sometimes.”
Due to the fire, police have closed Merkland Road East, Ardarroch Road and Pittodrie Street to traffic and pedestrians.
Students gather on Pittodrie Street
Residents at the surrounding students flats on Pittodrie Street and Merkland Road East were evacuated after their smoke alarm sounded at around 8.15am.
Large scores of students could all be seen waiting in the cold, awaiting the signal to head back inside.
Patrick Alexander, 20, of Aberdeen University, spoke to The Press and Journal about his rude awakening this morning.
He said: “It took me too long to get up and realise that the fire alarm was going on for a bit too long.
“I could see a lot of smoke from my window, and we went out to go see it.
“Now we are being told we are not allowed back in the building, we can’t even lean against it!
“There’s also no timeline for when we are getting to go back in. I’m freezing!”
He added: “The flames have completely engulfed one of the buildings back there.
“There’s a massive hole in the roof now. The damage is huge.”
21-year-old Abdel Kerim Bouassriya said confusion ensued in the Student Roost Halls after the smoke alarm was confused with a weekly test.
“The alarm went off about 8.15am,” he said.
“Usually there is a fire alarm test around that time – we thought it had just gone off early.
“But we knew it was serious because it was going off for so long.
“Thankfully there was no smoke or any danger within the student buildings. The firefighters are doing a great job, they managed to contain it well.”
Liam Black, 18, rushed out onto the street with only a t-shirt and slippers, added: “We have been out here since it all kicked off.
He added: “I’m just hoping we can get back in soon, I’ve got my slippers on!”
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