Printing works fire led to toxic smoke concerns

It has been revealed that a large fire at a Livingston printing plant led to a number of injuries as well as health fears due to potentially toxic smoke when the incident happened last Thursday morning.

A man and three firefighters from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service had to have check-ups in hospital following the volatile blaze, which gave off smoke from printing inks and solvents which could be seen for miles around.

Around 70 firefighters battled the fire at Amcor Flexibles in Brucefield Industrial Estate using a total of 12 fire engines. Fire crews had to keep acetylene cylinders from exploding using a constant stream of water.

The chemical fire also caused a number of road closures and police conducted evacuations of people from business premises located in the vicinity of the packaging print works. The line of an Edinburgh to Glasgow rail route also had to be closed due to the fire.

Residents living in Murieston, which is close to the area were given warnings about the smoke and asked to remain indoors keeping all windows and doors closed due to possible toxic fumes.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known although an investigation is now underway.