A large fire broke out at a scrapyard in Glasgow's west end overnight, with emergency crews still tackling the flames hours later. The blaze erupted in the early hours of Saturday morning, October 10, on South Street in the Whiteinch/Scotstoun area. Fire crews rushed to the scene after being alerted around 11.30pm.
At the height of the blaze, nine fire appliances, two high reach appliances, and specialist resources were sent. It is understood firefighters remain at the site this morning as crews continue to temper the flames. No one was hurt.
Explosions reported and residents urged to stay indoors
Footage of the raging inferno shows smoke billowing into the night sky as emergency services attempt to bring it under control. Due to the nature of the incident, it can be expected that work will go on there for some time.
Locals flooded social media with worry after witnessing the event unfold. One wrote online: "It's all kicking off on South Street, been explosions for about 30 mins". Another penned: "Saw this out the window of our plane as we landed at Glasgow. Looked a bad one from the sky," while a third added: "Major fire in Glasgow near South Street. Scrap yard up in flames".
A fourth described the scene, explaining: "We were there diverting traffic for half an hour while on call to police to inform them and ask for help... [we were] stopping traffic and people going through." A concerned mum chimed in this morning: "My wee one was so scared with how bright and big it was. Stayed up half the night convincing him it would go out. Thanks to the brave fire staff. Hope it's out soon."
Official response and ongoing precautions
Nearby residents are being urged to keep their windows and doors as closed as a precaution due to smoke in the area. Members of the public have also been told to avoid the area. If you are driving through smoke, you should keep air conditioning off and air vents closed.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We are currently in attendance at a large fire affecting a scrap yard on South Street in Glasgow. Operations Control were first alerted at 11.23pm this evening, and we currently have nine fire appliances, two high reach appliances and specialist resources at the scene. There are no reported casualties."
"Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. If you are driving through smoke, keep air conditioning off and air vents closed. Members of the public should also avoid the area. We would like to thank members of the public for their support and assistance. A high volume of calls has already been received by Operations Control and further calls are not required at this time."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers from Greater Glasgow Division are currently supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at an ongoing fire in South Street, Glasgow. Local residents are advised to keep their windows closed and the public are requested to avoid the area if at all possible."
