St Andrews University fire: blaze involving ‘suspected hazardous materials’ breaks out in science building
Scottish Fire and Rescue Services say there are no casualties
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 30 firefighters tackled a blaze involving “suspected hazardous materials” at the University of St Andrews.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the biomedical sciences building on North Haugh Street just before 5pm on Sunday.
Eight fire engines including an aerial platform and specialist resources attended the scene.
Video footage shared on social media showed flames spreading from the third floor as firefighters pumped water on to the building.
The university described it as a “serious fire” but said there were no reports of any injuries or anyone left in the building.
“More than 30 firefighters are currently tackling a well developed fire at a St Andrews University building,” the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 4.58pm to reports of a fire involving suspected hazardous materials on North Haugh Street, St Andrew’s.
“Operations Control mobilised eight fire engines including a height appliance and specialist resources.
“The building was fully evacuated and there are no casualties.”
Traffic Scotland advised motorists to avoid the area “until further notice” because of the fire, which was extinguished by around 9pm.
The four-storey building, which is shared by the university’s schools of chemisty and biology, contains laboratories conducting “medically focused research in organic and synthetic chemistry, virology and microbiology”, the university said.
Approximately 100 staff and postgraduate students work in the building.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments