The fact no one was injured when fire ripped through a Fife papermill, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage, has been attributed to the courage of fire and rescue crews.
Flames were finally extinguished at the Tullis Russell complex near Markinch on Wednesday morning more than 24 hours after the first incident was reported.
Tullis Russell managing director Steve Moss said the fires which were deliberately set had caused ”extensive damage” at the mill.
A major investigation into the incident is under way and police say they are particularly keen to trace a man seen loitering in the area early on Tuesday morning.
More than 40 firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze at its height and Mr Moss paid tribute to the ”tremendous commitment” of those involved.
”The incident could have been a lot worse were it not for the extremely courageous actions of the fire and rescue workers,” he told The Courier.
”The response of the fire service was absolutely magnificent. Crews were extremely professional throughout and I cannot praise them highly enough.”
It is thought that although extensive and costly, the devastation may not be as widespread as was initially feared.
”There has been extensive damage to raw materials and to some mobile plant and equipment at the mill,” said Mr Mill.
”However, thankfully the incident has not resulted in harm to any employees or members of the emergency services. It could have been a lot worse.”
The mill is in the midst of the festive shutdown and hopes are high the fire will not prevent it from starting up again as planned.
“The main operational areas of the mill have been unaffected by the incident,” Mr Moss explained. “We expect to start up after the Christmas shutdown as originally planned.”
Police said a joint investigation continues and appealed for information relating to an individual seen loitering in or around Asda on Fullerton Road, Glenrothes, at about 2.30am on Tuesday.
There is also a possibility the person responsible would have had clothing damaged by smoke.
Contact Fife Police on 0845 6005702.