Residents return to their homes after huge blaze broke out near Pittodrie stadium in Aberdeen

Residents are now able to return to their homes after a huge blaze broke out near Pittodrie stadium in Aberdeen.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire on Merkland Road East at around 8am on Wednesday morning.

Pictures showed plumes of smoke filling the sky as firefighters battled the flames near a car garage.

Police closed Merkland Road East, Ardarroch Road and Pittodrie Street and an emergency shelter was set up at Aberdeen Sports Village by the local authority.

Around 100 residents, some with their pet dogs and cats, attended the shelter as Aberdeen City Council arranged hot meals and emergency accommodation for displaced families.

Andrew Wright, SFRS area commander and local senior officer for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: “We were alerted at 8.02am on Wednesday, January 22, to reports of a commercial building fire at Merkland Road East, Aberdeen.

“At the height of the fire, we mobilised seven appliances to the scene where fighters worked to contain the fire to the garage and to reduce fire spread.

“There were no reports of any casualties, and the last crew left the scene on Thursday, January 23 at 9.23am.”

It is understood the car garage was damaged by the blaze, however no surrounding properties were affected.

Police added no one was injured as a result of the blaze and that “enquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire”.

On Thursday morning, Aberdeen City Council said displaced residents could now return to their homes and thanked organisations for their support following the blaze.

A spokesperson said: “All residents who were displaced due to the Merkland Road East fire yesterday can return home now.

“Many thanks to ACC staff, volunteers, Aberdeen Sports Village, Red Cross volunteers, police and SRFS crews and officers for their assistance.”