Fire - Invergordon Industrial Estate

EMERGENCY services were called to attend reports of a fire a nail polish factory in Davidson Drive, Invergordon Industrial Estate, Invergordon at 11.50am today (20 April 2009).

Staff at the premises were evacuated, as were staff at a nearby joiner's yard. The head teacher at South Lodge Primary school decided to close the school as a precaution.

No one was injured as a result and the area was cordoned off. None of the chemical drums within the premises were damaged as a result of the fire.

The fire was extinguished by Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.

There are no further details at present. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A Highland Council spokesman said that staff at South Lodge Primary School were advised by personnel from the factory about the fire.

Their advice to the head teacher, Alice Cleland, was to evacuate staff and the 179 pupils to the perimeter of the playing fields furthest from the factory.

The pupils remained there for 20 minutes before being assured it was safe to return to their classrooms, where all windows were closed.

In consultation with the police and the education authority, the head teacher agreed to send pupils home for the day.

Classes will resume tomorrow (Tuesday) as normal.

The Head Teacher said that at no time were pupils exposed to any fumes or any danger and that the action taken was purely precautionary.