5:24 pm, December 22, 2015
AN Arnold Clark service centre in Aberdeen is closed today after a fire which led to the evacuation of 80 people from their homes.
The blaze broke out at the company’s service department in Girdleness Road – and caused serious damage to the site.
According to the BBC, six people were treated for smoke inhalation, one of whom was taken to hospital. The fire service was reportedly called to the premises at about 5am this morning.
The 80 people evacuated to a nearby community centre have since been allowed to return home.
@CarDealerEd Homes Evacuated As Crews Battle Aberdeen Blaze At ARNOLD CLARK Service Centre : https://t.co/GY1DkTtEL8 via @originalfm
— JimReidVehicleSales (@jimreidvehicle) December 22, 2015
In a statement posted on its website, Arnold Clark said: ‘We are aware of serious damage to the site and we are working to establish the full extent of this. It is our absolute priority to help all customers who had cars on site to be mobile again by offering a courtesy car on a like-for-like basis where possible.
‘We understand this is a hectic time of year and we are doing all we can to minimise the inconvenience to those affected. We are working to reduce any disruption to the local community.
‘The branch is currently closed – however, we will endeavour to transfer all appointments to our surrounding sites. At the moment an investigation is taking place and we will provide an update in due course.’
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service told the BBC they attended a ‘well developed fire’ in the site’s workshop area.
The service added that the temporary evacuation was deemed necessary this morning because oil tanks and acetylene cylinders were involved.
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