A probe into what caused a major fire at an animal feed mill in Fife is set to continue for some days to come, The Courier understands.
Residents living on the outskirts of Cupar were put on high alert on Friday evening as the massive blaze at the ABN Mill to the south-west of the town continued, although firefighters were able to bring the incident to a safe conclusion without the need to evacuate nearby homes.
With the fire brought under control, crews remained at the scene throughout Saturday to damp down the affected parts of the building and ensure the area was safe as investigators began the arduous task of examining how the blaze started and how it spread so quickly.
The fire and rescue service said crews finished up at the site on Saturday afternoon and confirmed the cause was still “under investigation,” adding it could take several days before any outcome is known.
Sixty firefighters from across Fife were at the scene at the height of the incident, with 10 pumping appliances, additional specialist height and emergency support units and a decontamination unit all called in to contain the fire.
The initial call to the Damside pig and poultry feed mill just off the A914 Cupar road was received by the fire service at 10.42am and sparked a lengthy, well co-ordinated operation by emergency services who battled to ensure the public’s safety at all times.
It is understood one sector of the building alone contained an acetylene cylinder, 10,000 litres of fuel oil and 3000 litres of acid.
A 30,000 litre tanker of fuel oil outside the building also had to be cooled by firefighters as the building showed signs of collapse and huge explosions could be heard inside.
Residents in the immediate vicinity were advised to remain indoors with windows closed due to the large smoke plume involved.
A makeshift emergency rest centre was also prepared at Bell Baxter High School should there be a need to evacuate people from their homes in nearby Cuparmuir.
Officials later decided against that after the chemicals involved were assessed as no longer being a threat to the public.
Chief fire officer Neil McFarlane said, “Once again Fife’s public services have pulled together to manage the emergency event and ensure the safety of the public.
“Fire crews have done a fantastic job and have dealt with the situation magnificently, helped and supported by other Fife public services.”
Throughout the incident the emergency services were supported by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the National Chemical Emergency Centre, and they are expected to be involved in the ongoing investigation.
Nobody was injured in the fire and all of the staff working at the mill have been accounted for.