A number of homes were evacuated this morning after a huge fire broke out at a car service centre in Aberdeen.
Emergency services remain at the scene at Arnold Clark in Girdleness Road in the Torry area of the city, after they were alerted to the fire at around 5am this morning.
The fire has now been put out but 80 people were evacuated from nearby homes to the local community centre in Balnagask Road as a precaution due to heavy smoke, police said.
Six people required treatment for smoke inhalation, with one taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
At the height of the fire, 50 fire crew were at the scene, with major concerns over oil tankards and 100 tyres on the site.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “Aberdeen City Council’s Care for People Plan swung into action this morning. Balnagask Community Centre was opened to receive residents affected by the smoke from the fire and the Red Cross was on hand to provide support for families.
“Our housing support staff have been on site to provide information and support, while social work colleagues have also been providing information for any vulnerable people requiring extra support.
“We are working closely with police and fire services and, once we are advised that families can return to their homes, the Care for People plan will be wound down. We do not expect that any families will need to be rehoused.”
Girdleness Road is currently closed between Wellington Road and Old Church Road
A spokeswoman for Arnold Clark said: “We can confirm that in the early hours of this morning a fire broke out at our Aberdeen service department in Girdleness Road.
“We are aware of serious damage to the site and we are working to establish the full extent of this. It is our absolute priority to help all customers who had cars on site to be mobile again by offering a courtesy car on a like for like basis where possible.
“We understand this is a hectic time of year and we are doing all we can to minimise the inconvenience to those affected. We are working to reduce any disruption to the local community.
“The branch is currently closed however we will endeavour to transfer all appointments to our surrounding sites. At the moment an investigation is taking place and we will provide an update in due course.
“Our staff will contact customers today if their car has been affected and will arrange a temporary replacement vehicle by the end of today. In the meantime, customers with any questions can contact our Customer Services department on 0141 305 8328.”