Factory fire forces residents to stay in

HOUSEHOLDERS living near an industrial estate in Fife were urged to stay indoors yesterday as firefighters tackled a major blaze at a glass fibre factory.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the Mitchelston Industrial Estate in Kirkcaldy after the fire broke out at the Production Glass Fibre plant around 3pm.

All staff managed to escape to safety, but the fire was well alight when firefighters arrived. Police set up a cordon around the factory on Myregormie Place and urged people in neighbouring properties to stay inside and close all doors and windows.

All roads in the immediate area were closed off while diversions were put in place.

A spokesman for Fife Fire and Rescue said: "Because of the nature of the products made there - glass fibre - there are huge plumes of smoke."