Second major fire hits Dundee in less than 24 hours

Firefighters have worked through the night to tackle a major blaze which ripped through an indoor market in Dundee’s second major fire in less than 24 hours.

At the height of the incident more than 60 firefighters were involved in fighting the fire which broke out at Hilltown Indoor Market shortly before 6.15pm on Wednesday.

Two fire engines were still at the scene on 7am on Thursday damping down and dealing with any hotspots.

The fire came less than a day after a major blaze at Braeview Academy which will be out of commission for some time after suffering extensive damage.

The neighbouring Fit4Less gym was evacuated while fire crews dealt with the incident at the market in Main Street.

Dylan Drummond, 48, a videographer and photographer from Dundee, said: “On the day after a fire in one of our high schools, to see smoke on the Dundee skyline, close to the opening of the V&A museum is horrific.

“There’s smoke, it’s a clear sky, you can really see it from far away, the stink is horrendous.

“A building fell down, looked like the fire brigade were hosing it down. The flames are mental, it looks like the whole building’s on fire.”

There were no reports of any injuries.

The blaze began in the roof of the building before spreading.

Police Scotland closed surrounding roads while firefighters tackled the blaze.

It is understood the market has been out of use for some time.

Dundee City Council has said it is determined to minimise disruption to the education of the 570 Braeview Academy pupils but they will have to remain at home into next week.

More than 50 firefighters worked through the previous night to tackle the blaze, which broke out at the school at around 9.40pm on Tuesday.

No-one was injured and police will carry out a joint investigation into the school fire along with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Police are also appealing for information about the fire at the indoor market.

Inspector Cath Lannen said: “Enquiries are at an early stage and we will work jointly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire.

“The building has been extensively damaged.

“There are road closures still in place at Caldrum Street and Thistle Street, and I would like to thank motorists for their patience whilst this is ongoing.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire to come forward to Police Scotland and contact us on 101 or or Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously on 0800 555 111.”