Renfrewshire school evacuated and 16 treated at scene after 'chemical spill' in Renfrewshire

A school in Renfrewshire was evacuated, and 16 people were checked over at the scene after a potential chemical spill.

Emergency services were called to a possible hazardous substance at Gryffe High School in Houston at around 10.53am on Friday.

Three appliances and a hazmat team carried out tests while 16 people were assessed at the scene as a precaution.

There were no injuries, and pupils were allowed to return to the school shortly after.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.53am on Friday, December 19, to a potential chemical spill at Gryffe High School, Houston.

“Operations Control mobilised three appliances and a Detection, Identification and Monitoring vehicle to carry out tests.

“16 people were assessed at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service for precautionary checks.

“Crews have now left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.15am on Friday, December 19, 2025, we received a report of a possible hazardous substance at a premises in the Bridge of Weir Road area of Houston.

“Emergency services attended, and a number of people were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reported injuries.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Pupils were evacuated this morning from Gryffe High School as a precaution following suspected fumes on site.

“Emergency services were immediately alerted, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our health and safety team, and following their advice, pupils have returned to the building to carry on with the school day as planned.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.