Councillor Ian Mackintosh saw at first hand the devastation caused by fire and the associated problem of dealing with an oxy-acetylene cylinder as the drama unfolded near the town centre last Tuesday.

As the professionalism of the emergency services called to the scene was praised, Councillor Mackintosh stated the safety of emergency personnel and the public had to be considered in future.



He stressed in no way was a ban being suggested or mountains of red tape being called for - merely a simple record to alert emergency services that oxy-acetylene cylinders are on the premises.

Similar warnings could also be displayed on vehicles, particularly those used by mobile mechanics transporting the cylinders.

The town centre of Kirriemuir was thrown into chaos shortly after 1 p.m last Tuesday when fire broke out at the long-established commercial garage run since 1982 by Jim Campbell.

Although the fire service was quick to respond, the proximity of the fire station right next door to the burning building provided its own problems as they began to tackle the blaze.

A huge pall of smoke was visible for miles around as fire crews from the town dealt with the situation.

Around 30 firefighters battled 30 foot flames but were beaten back when it quickly spread out of control.

One employee, David MacDonald, suffered slight injuries and was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital.

The local fire fighters were assisted by units from Forfar and Alyth, along with a unit and aerial ladder from Dundee.

They faced what was described as an "extremely difficult and hazardous situation".

They had to deal with a potentially explosive oxy-acetylene cylinder which prompted the evacuation of over 200 local residents.

Among those affected were households in Glengate, Gordon Park, Park Place and Whiteside, and fire fighters remained at the scene overnight using constant water to cool down the cylinder.

Police set up a 24-hour exclusion zone and Webster's High School provided a refuge for those forced out of their homes, although no-one was required to stay at the school overnight.

Praising the professionalism of all those involved, Graeme Brown, station manager for Tayside Fire and Rescue at Blackness Road, stated the location didn't help the fire-fighters who were first at the scene.

He said "It was right next to fire station which was a hindrance.

"The fire developed rapidly and there was the additional hazard of the cylinder."

Station manager Brown, who arrived in Kirriemuir at around 1.45 p.m., praised the "dedication and commitment" shown by the fire-fighters who were first at the scene.

"They did an extremely good job. The dedication and commitment shown by them was outstanding. They faced an extremely hazardous situation and I can't commend them enough."

Mr Brown stated the roof of the building had collapsed and the whole building was engulfed in fire when he arrived.

"As soon as it was confirmed there was an oxy-acetylene cylinder we followed the national guideline and set up a 200 metre exclusion zone.

"This encompassed the fire station which had to be evacuated.

"It really was the worst case scenario. We relocated the fire appliances to secure premises on the outskirts of Kirriemuir and they remained there for the 24 hour period."

A joint approach between the emergency services and a variety of organisations including building control, emergency planning officers and SEPA dealt with the situation.

The latter worked with Angus Council to organise bales of hay which acted as a filter for contaminated water which had run off into the Gairie Burn.

Speaking of one of the biggest fires in Kirriemuir's recent history, Mr Brown stated the main issue affecting the residents of Kirriemuir was the oxy-acetylene cylinder.

"This was a text book handling of the situation, without a shadow of a doubt. We train for events like these but hope they will never happen."

Councillor Mackintosh, convener of the Tayside Joint Police Board, visited the scene in Kirriemuir, stating he would now hold talks with Tayside Police and Tayside Fire and Rescue, as well as the emergency response team at Angus Council, to see how things can be improved with regard to registration of the cylinders.

He said: "I am not, at any stage, talking about a ban.

"However, these cylinders are not registered and I would like to see something in place which would automatically let the emergency services know there was oxy-acetylene cylinders on the premises in the future.

"In certain cases they know, but in others they don't.

"Mobile mechanics quite often have acetylene in their vans. If they are involved in a serious road accident then I would like to see some sort of mark on their van to alert the Police so they can set up an exclusion zone.

"Absolutely no way are we suggesting it can't be used and I don't want at lot of red tape.

"Oxy-acetylene is used by mechanics world wide. It is absolutely necessary, you can't ban it, there is no substitute for it.

"But I want the emergency services to know where it is."

Commenting on its role at the height of the blaze, a spokesperson for the local authority said:"Angus Council arranged transport from Tesco car park at The Roods to Webster's High School, which was used as an evacuation centre.

"Members of Angus Council staff assisted with transport arrangements from the car park to Webster's and provided hot drinks and information at the evacuation centre."