Firefighters are currently battling a "significant" blaze at the Brucefield Industrial Estate located near Livingston, West Lothian. The fire, which started shortly after 1:00 PM on Saturday, has prompted widespread efforts from emergency services to control the situation and prevent any injuries or additional damage.
Crews from nine fire engines were dispatched to the scene after the alarm was raised at 1:07 PM. Photographs and videos circulated on social media, depicting thick plumes of black smoke rising high above the site, visible from as far away as Fife. Authorities have urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid inhaling smoke.
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the fire has spread to several buildings within the industrial area, including what appears to be a large factory. Thankfully, there are currently no reports of any casualties among the people working or living in the vicinity.
West Lothian Council has officially advised motorists to steer clear of the area as fire crews continue their operations. Key routes close to the industrial estate, such as the Wilderness Roundabout, Cochrane Square, and Brucefield Park West, have also been cordoned off for safety reasons.
A spokesperson for the SFRS spoke to the press, stating: "We are currently working to extinguish the fire, which has taken hold of several adjoining buildings. Our teams are equipped with specialist resources to tackle this situation as efficiently as possible."
Images taken during the incident show the towering flames and the extensive smoke billowing across the skyline. This prompted numerous calls from concerned residents and onlookers, who have relayed their observations through social media platforms.
Local police are also present at the scene, providing traffic management to facilitate the fire service's work and ensuring the safety of the public. Officers responded to the fire by 1:35 PM, assisting with road closures and managing the flow of traffic around the affected area.
Further statements from West Lothian Council and police confirmed their focus remains on safety. They reiterated: "Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible to allow emergency services unhindered access as they work to control the fire."
A spokesperson for the council mentioned, "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is actively attending to this significant fire at Brucefield Industrial Estate. We appreciate the cooperation of the public during these efforts."
Since the outbreak of the fire, officials have been posting frequent updates, aiming to keep residents informed about the status of the area. They continue to provide guidance on road closures and any potential health risks due to smoke inhalation.
While the immediate scene is under control, fire crews may remain on-site for quite some time to monitor and manage any flare-ups. The situation is still developing, and authorities have committed to keeping the public updated.
For those living within proximity of the industrial estate and for commuters, the advice is clear: stay away from the area, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and listen for updates from emergency services.
Residents experiencing adverse effects from the smoke are advised to seek medical assistance. Health services are prepared for any potential increases in respiratory issues attributed to the blaze's smoke and pollutants.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no additional details have been released yet on what may have sparked this significant incident. Investigators will likely commence their inquiry once firefighting efforts conclude and the scene is safe to access.
For now, emergency services handle the challenging task of bringing this blaze under control and securing public safety within the area surrounding the Brucefield Industrial Estate. Updates from the SFRS and local authorities are expected throughout the evening as they work diligently to extinguish the flames and protect the community from potential harm.