Flat Fire Shuts Market Street

Market Street remains closed after a fire this morning.

Guests and staff were evacuated from the Douglas Hotel today after the fire began in a top floor flat next to the establishment.

Three fire engines, a height support vehicle and firefighters using breathing apparatus were sent in to tackle the blaze. One of the fire engines was sent to the rear of the building to tackle the fire from there. Firefighters had concerns the flames could spread to properties attached to the fire-hit building.

Hotel manager Gavin Paterson said: “I looked out of the back of the building and the smoke coming out of the window was thick and black.
“Some smoke drifted into the hotel and the fire alarms were set off and everyone was evacuated safely.

“It could have been a lot worse, the fire brigade did a great job.”

A grateful Mr Paterson brought out a tray load of bacon sandwiches and coffee for the firefighters as they rested after tackling the blaze."

Callum Eddie owns the Grampian Health Store on Market Street. He said: “I couldn’t see any flames but I saw two firemen with faces and clothes blackened with soot.”

The kitchen at the second floor flat was described as “extensively damaged” and the ceiling had collapsed due to the fierce heat of the blaze.

Fire officers estimated the blaze had been going for up to half an hour before the window was blown out by the pressure of the fire and the alarm was raised.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service group manager Ally Birkett said: “We don’t know what caused the fire at this stage but a fire investigation unit has started work to try and establish the cause.”

There was nobody in the flat at the time of the fire.”