Major fire near Pittodrie Stadium forces evacuation of student flats

A significant fire erupted on early Wednesday 22nd January, at a vehicle repair garage on Merkland Road East, sending thick black smoke across Aberdeen’s skyline. The blaze, near Pittodrie Stadium, prompted widespread evacuations, including residents of nearby student accommodation.

Evacuations from student flats

Among those evacuated were students from the University of Aberdeen residing in the Pittodrie Street Student Roost student accommodation. Many described the scene as chaotic, with fire alarms ringing and thick smoke filling the air.

Patrick Alexander, a 20-year-old student, recalled the seriousness of the situation: “[At] about 8:15, the fire alarm went off in my flat and I thought it was a test so I took a bit of time to get up.

“I then realised it was actually a proper fire when I went out. From the top of our student accommodation it was all just black smoke that filled the sky.

Patrick described the fire’s intensity: “I walked round and that’s when I saw the motor shop just totally on fire. The back of the building looked like it was completely engulfed in flames. It was just a blanket of fire on the roofs.”

Evacuated students reported being kept outside for hours as firefighters worked to contain the fire. “We’ve been out here for over two hours now,” Patrick added. “No one knows when we’ll be allowed back in.”

Emergency response

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received the alarm at 8:02am, initially dispatching two fire engines. As the situation escalated, an additional five appliances were deployed to tackle the fire.

A spokesperson for SFRS said: “Firefighters remain on scene working hard to extinguish a fire affecting a car garage. There are no reports of any casualties. Police Scotland are evacuating nearby properties.”

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The fire caused significant disruption, with smoke visible across the city and road closures affecting Merkland Road East, Ardarroch Road, and Pittodrie Street. Police advised the public to avoid the area up until Thursday morning.

Support for displaced residents

To assist those displaced by the fire, Aberdeen City Council set up a rest centre at Aberdeen Sports Village.

A spokesperson for the council said: “A rest centre has been set up in Aberdeen Sports Village for residents evacuated from Ardarroch Close and Merkland Road East due to the fire. Anyone going to the centre should take prescription medicine & warm clothing, and for pets their prescription medicine, leads, beds and food.”

Community concerns grow

This incident followed just days after a separate fire on the 12th floor of a tower block, less than a mile away, left seven people injured. While there is no suggestion that the two fires are linked, the proximity and timing has left residents uneasy.

Investigation underway

By Wednesday afternoon, the fire was largely under control, though firefighters remained on-site to fully extinguish the flames and ensure safety in the area. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

As Aberdeen grapples with the aftermath of two significant fires, questions are being raised about safety measures and the preparedness of emergency services.

Featured image via YouTube