Fire at Scottish Borders chemical plant

A FIRE occurred at Rathburn Chemicals in the Scottish Borders, UK, on 10 January.

The fire occurred in an industrial unit in Walkerburn village at 06:44 on 10 January. Two people were injured and were taken to hospital. Firefighters and hazardous materials teams were called to the site, and the fire was extinguished shortly after 14:30, according to the BBC.

The fire resulted in the closure of a primary school and a local road, and residents nearby were temporarily evacuated. Debris blew into neighbouring properties, and residents were warned not to touch it as the roof tiles may contain asbestos.

According to STV News, Alex Hume, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander, said: “Operations control mobilised two fire appliances and two specialist resources due to potentially hazardous materials, and firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and make the area safe. The fire has now been fully extinguished and precautionary checks carried out, and the site has been handed back to the occupier.”

Rathburn Chemicals produces solvents for use in medical research, pharmaceuticals, food and drink manufacture, and government agencies.