Emergency services responded to a substantial fire at an industrial estate in Tipperty, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday afternoon, with crews working through the night to bring the incident under control. The alarm was raised at approximately 18:30 on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
At the height of the operation, nine fire engines were deployed to the scene, supported by various specialist resources. The significant smoke plume generated by the blaze led to advice for local residents in Tipperty, near Ellon, to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure. Motorists travelling on the nearby A90 dual carriageway were also urged to exercise caution due to smoke drifting across the road.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. Firefighters made considerable progress overnight, allowing for a reduction in the number of appliances at the scene. By 06:30 on Wednesday, one fire engine remained on site to continue dampening down any remaining hotspots and monitor the affected area, ensuring the safety of the site.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been officially disclosed, one of the businesses operating at the industrial estate, Connon Brothers Coal and Kiln Dried Logs, issued an update. The company confirmed that its entire fuel stock, all vehicles, and the majority of its plant equipment were left untouched by the fire, suggesting that the most significant damage may have been contained to other areas of the estate or specific structures.
The incident highlights the critical role of emergency services in responding to industrial fires, which often present complex challenges due to the materials involved and the potential for rapid spread. Investigations into the exact cause of the blaze are expected to commence once the area is deemed completely safe and accessible for fire investigators.