A fire has broken out at a building just minutes from The National Wallace Monument, closing a major road in both directions. The alarm was raised shortly after 6pm on Wednesday night when crews were alerted to a blaze at a building in the town of Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, near Stirling.
Emergency Services Respond
Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, raced to the scene on Hillfoots Road, situated just five minutes from the famous landmark. Four appliances and an officer remain in attendance as firefighters continue to battle the inferno. No one has been reported hurt and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Road Closure and Eyewitness Account
The A91 road is shut on a stretch from the Manor Powis to Logie Kirk area. Photos taken at the scene show thick smoke billowing into the sky as it takes hold of what appears to be an outbuilding. An eyewitness told the Record: "It was in full effect about 6pm with huge black plumes of smoke rising into the sky. I saw it as I got off the train. I passed the scene when out a bike ride about 7pm. Fire and police in attendance. A91 blocked off between Alloa Road and Hillfoots Road. Not sure what caused the fire. Hopefully no one injured."
Official Statement
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We got a call at 6:12pm to reports of a dwelling fire. Two appliances were sent to the scene, which was soon made up to four appliances. Four appliances and an officer are currently in attendance. No casualties have been reported so far." Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment. The National Wallace Monument stands above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. Charity Stirling District Tourism has run the Wallace Monument since 1995.
