Big challenge for fire crews

FIREFIGHTERS battled for hours to extinguish a blaze at a store in West Lothian.

Crews rushed to the two-storey Cartridge World shop in George Place, Bathgate, after a 9am emergency call yesterday.

The blaze was tackled by dozens of firefighters, using hose reel and breathing apparatus.

Temporary closures were in place at Glasgow Road and the junction of Whitburn Road and the Fairway Hotel.

Firefighters – who were joined at the scene by senior officers – described the building as “well alight”. At around 10.50am, crews gained access to the store’s roof space, which was checked for spreading fire.

It is understood occupants of a neighbouring property were evacuated while it was checked, but later allowed to return.

There were no reports of casualties.