Thick black smoke billowed into the air above Fraserburgh yesterday as firefighters tackled a major blaze in the town.
The fire broke out at the Gray and Adams yard on Harbour Road shortly after 10am.
Emergency services arrived in force at the site a short time later amidst concerns of asbestos contaminating the air and reports of a casualty.
An Aberdeen incident command unit soon joined six fire appliances and 32 north-east firefighters on the premises, which were filled with large lorry-trailers.
Fire service group manager, Ally Birkett said: “Upon arrival crews were faced with a rapidly developing fire in a workshop.
“Crews immediately deployed to extinguish the fire and worked very hard in difficult, hot and smoky conditions to bring the fire under control quickly.
Thirty-two firefighters tackle blaze at Fraserburgh manufacturing firm
“The actions of the crews meant we managed to contain the fire to 20% of the workshop and prevent further damage.
“The workshop had an asbestos sheet roof.
“The risk and hazard associated with the roof being involved in the fire was controlled by spray jets to minimise the impact for those in the vicinity.”
An investigation to determine the cause of the blaze is now underway.
Two ambulances also went to the scene to treat one individual who did not require to be taken to hospital.
Brian Fraser, senior manager at Gray and Adams, said: “The building, which we use as a fibreglass workshop, has suffered extensive damage.
“There was nobody in the building at the time of the fire and no-one injured and that’s the main thing.
“We are waiting for reports from the fire service to find out more.”
The Scottish Ambulancxe Service said its initial response had been based on concerns that asbestos in the building may have been compromised.
An ambulance spokeswoman said: “Two ambulances and two special operations response teams were dispatched and one patient was treated by paramedics and did not require transport to hospital.”
Crews remained on scene to help the fire services before leaving the yard.
The fire was extinguished by 2pm.
