21/01/2008

Major Tyre Blaze Halts Lanarkshire Trains

Heavy smoke and burning debris from a major fire involving 400 tonnes of tyres has caused disruption on the Scottish rail network.

The fire, at a yard near Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, started at about 8pm on Sunday, and has damaged overhead rail lines.

Trains between Motherwell and Cumbernauld were suspended while residents near the old Shanks/McEwan yard by the A8 have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

This morning, experts said the fire was expected to burn for at least the rest of the day.

This afternoon, about 15 to 20 firefighters were continuing to tackle the blaze.

Steve Fitch, group commander with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said: "We've had a look at the fire in daylight and we think it is going to burn for at least the rest of the day.

"The situation is constantly being reassessed, however.

"Black smoke has been heading in a north west direction towards Shawhead.

"Residents should stay indoors if possible and keep windows shut as a precaution," he said.

While train services between Cumbernauld and Motherwell and Motherwell and Coatbridge Central remain suspended, the Glasgow to Whifflet services start and terminate at Kirkwood.

A replacement bus service is in place and First ScotRail said there may be short-notice cancellations, alterations or delays.

No-one was injured in the fire and the cause of the blaze is not known.

(BMcC)


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