Fife paper mill 'operational' again after large storage area fire

A tissue paper mill in Fife is back operational after a large fire broke out in the storage area.

A blaze broke out in an outside storage area of Sapphire Paper Mill, on Glenwood Road, Leslie, around 5.15am on Tuesday, with 13 fire engines and 48 firefighters sent to the scene.

The public was asked to avoid the area and to keep the windows and doors of nearby homes closed while the incident was brought under control.

Crews from Glenrothes, Methil, Lochgelly, Kirkcaldy, and Cupar managed to contain the incident in a small area of the site containing raw materials.

The fire was safely extinguished on Wednesday, and no casualties were reported.

Edinburgh & East

Emergency services tackling large fire at paper mill

Thirteen appliances and 48 firefighters have been sent to the scene on Glenwood Road, Leslie.

The mill, a manufacturer of tissue paper and disposable paper hygiene products such as toilet rolls, was back operational on Thursday, and staff were able to return to the site.

It has been confirmed there was no criminal activity involved.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Thanks to the swift actions of our staff, emergency services were called immediately, and the site was evacuated promptly following strict protocols overseen by the companies trained fire marshals. All staff were accounted for, with no injuries reported.

“We are pleased to confirm that the core operational areas of the site were not impacted, and there has been no loss of vital infrastructure.

“Our deepest thanks go to our incredible staff for their quick response and efficiency following procedure. We also extend our gratitude to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all others who assisted during this time.

“Thanks to their collective efforts, Scotland’s last remaining tissue paper mill will continue to operate and support local jobs.”

Health and Safety Manager Scott Norman confirmed “Safety inspections including structural inspections have been carried out and the site has been declared safe by the fire brigade.

“Ongoing fire monitoring is being carried out by staff.”