packagingnews.co.uk

Blaze ravages Amcor Flexibles Livingston facility

A fire has ripped through Amcor Flexibles' plant in Livingston, Scotland causing "significant damage" to the site and left one worker with minor burns.

Around 70 firefighters and 12 fire engines were called to the site just before midday today (16 September), according to Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service (FRS).

Plumes of thick, black smoke can be seen for miles around and other businesses on the firm’s Brucefield Industrial estate site were evacuated.

A spokesperson said: "We expect this will be a protracted incident and that fire crews will remain at the scene for several hours.

"We are working with other agencies, including the Police on the implications for nearby residents and also the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to address environmental issues."

All 84 workers were evacuated from the site and one person is being treated in hospital for a minor burn to their arm.

'Significant damage' to main facility
The fire has caused significant damage to the main facility and secondary buildings.

The FRS spokesperson said: "The property, a single storey, steel framed, modern building, contains a large amount of chemicals including printing inks, solvents and acetylene cylinders which can be highly volatile when involved in a fire.

"Our main priority is cooling those cylinders and we are using three height appliances as water towers to facilitate this. Residents should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to reduce contact with the smoke from the fire."

In a statement, Amcor thanked the authorities and employees for the swift response.

"Amcor’s culture of customer and market focus and dedication to seamless operations means an action plan to meet customers’ needs through alternative resourcing is already fully active."

An image from the FRS website shows the extent of the fire.