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Roads closed and buildings evacuated after fire

BBC A large plume of dark smoke drifting across the blue skyline in Aberdeen as seen from the harbour area.BBC
A large plume of dark smoke could be seen in Aberdeen

Several roads have been closed and properties evacuated after firefighters were called out to tackle a serious blaze near Aberdeen FC's Pittodrie Stadium.

Emergency services were called to the fire at a garage premises on Merkland Road East at about 08:00.

Police Scotland said it had closed Merkland Road East, Ardarroch Road and Pittodrie Street as a result. Drivers were asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.

Aberdeen City Council said about 95 people so far had used a rest centre set up for those who had to leave their homes.

Innes Urquhart Flames in a building with smoke rising into the sky, with buildings in the background, and water from a hose going into the flames.Innes Urquhart
Several fire crews were called out
Fubar News Fire and smoke visible, with two high-rise blocks in the foreground.Fubar News
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning
Fubar News Flames in a building with smoke rising into the sky, with buildings in the background.Fubar News
Flames had to be tackled by firefighters

King Street remains open to traffic but the Aberdeen FC shop and ticket office was temporarily closed.

A plume of dark smoke could be seen across the Aberdeen skyline.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said seven appliances had been sent to the scene.

SFRS added: "There are no reports of any casualties. Police Scotland are evacuating nearby properties."

A fire investigation cannot get under way until the incident has been fully contained.

Fire engine and firefighters, with plume of grey smoke, and a height vehicle being used to dampen down the scene, with football stadium floodlights in the background.
Seven appliances were sent to the scene, near Pittodrie Stadium

A rest centre has been set up in Aberdeen Sports Village for residents impacted.

A council spokesperson said: "Aberdeen City Council is in the process of organising a hot meal and securing emergency overnight accommodation in case they are needed for evacuated residents."

They added: "Only people staying in properties who police have advised to evacuate can use the rest centre. If you live in a neighbouring street and have not been advised to evacuate, you can return to your home.

"Please be aware parts of Merkland Road East and Ardarroch Road continue to have no vehicle access."

Patrick Alexander, man smiling and looking at camera, wearing a warm blue jacket, red and white cap, on a street with cars and ambulances in background.
Patrick Alexander was evacuated from his accommodation

Patrick Alexander was told to leave his student accommodation on Merkland Road East - the day after moving in.

"I saw huge flames, and lots of fire trucks coming down," he told BBC Scotland News.

"I moved in literally yesterday, and so when I got out I actually thought it was closer to the accommodation, so I was checking my fire insurance of what was covered."

Skye Ryan said she saw blue lights through her curtains and wondered what was happening, so looked out her window and saw smoke.

Skye Ryan, woman with bright pink hair, smiling at camera, wearing a beige jacket with fur-trimmed hood, and buildings in the background.
Skye Ryan has been using the rest centre

"Within seconds it went up," she said of the fire scene. "It was devastation."

She said buildings were then evacuated, and she used the rest centre and was fed.

She added that residents were not yet totally sure when they would be allowed home.