Clachan Bar Fire, Stornoway - 5 April 2003

5 April 2003

Joint Press Release from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Northern Constabulary and Fire Service.

Emergency services have mounted a joint operation to deal with a major fire in the centre of Stornoway at the Clachan Bar this morning.

Over 50 members of the fire, police and ambulance services co-operated to deal with the blaze which is believed to have started in the early hours of Saturday morning. At the height of the blaze 5 fire brigade units and 37 fire fighters were involved in tackling the flames.

The fire was brought under control by 11am although the centre of Stornoway is still closed off to traffic.

The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious and police are appealling for information from members of the public. Chief Inspector Andrew Maclean of Northern Constabulary said: “We would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has any information on this extremely serious incident to contact the police at Stornoway Police Station on 702222 or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar congratulated the emergency services on their response to the incident. Alex MacDonald who visited the site, said: “This was a major incident and I commend all the emergency services on their professionalism and skill in dealing with it. The level of co-operation was outstanding. The blaze was brought under control as quickly as possible and with the minimum of disruption to the people of Stornoway.”

The fire occurred at the popular Clachan Bar in Stornoway but did not spread to adjoining premises.

Fire Brigade Officer in Charge David Gill, said: “We received a call from a member of the public at 05.17 saying there was smoke coming from a location in the centre of Stornoway. Local appliances attended the incident by 05.27 meeting national standards of fire cover. They arrived and found smoke issuing but it wasn’t clear where it was coming from. An assessment was quickly made and further resources requested including more appliances.
Fire Brigade Control quickly and efficiently dispatched further appliances to attend and the blaze was carefully but surely brought under control with fire damage restricted to the Clachan. I would like to thank police, ambulance and other services who responded quickly to our requests for assistance.”

Road closures in Stornoway Town Centre are expected to be in place for the rest of today (Saturday).

Ends

Fire Control,
Inverness
Tel: 01463 227127

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk