Motorists are facing disruption after a key bridge was closed following an explosion in the area.
Six fire engines and other specialist appliances are tackling a large fire in an industrial recycling centre at Friarton Bridge Park, Perth.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the alarm was raised at 12.39am on Tuesday.
The service later added it was dealing with a fire involving “200 tonnes of scrap metal”
People living nearby have been advised to close windows to avoid drifting smoke from the blaze.
The fire was visible across the countryside (Pic: Dominic Glasgow)
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 12.39am on Tuesday, 28 February to reports of a large fire within an industrial recycling centre at Friarton Bridge Park, Perth.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances plus other specialist resources to the scene, where crews continue to tackle a fire involving approximately 200 tonnes of scrap material.
“Road closures remain in place and we would advise local residents to close windows in their homes due to levels of smoke.”
One man living nearby said there had been a “huge explosion” and described a plume of smoke towering over the site.
Smoke could be seen bollowing from the plant this morning, while motorists were backed up on approaching roads.
Morning! S here keeping an eye on the trunk road network this morning.
Main issue so far:#M90 Friarton bridge is CLOSED in both directions following a fire at the industrial estate earlier this morning. ⛔️
Police directing traffic locally 🚓 pic.twitter.com/QFyHjuVY5f
Driver Russell Brown, who snapped an image of the blaze, said that more fire engines were arriving at the scene, and that cars had moved about 400 metres in 40 minutes on the shore road nearby.
Police Scotland said that the M90 Friarton Bridge, Perth, has been closed in both directions due to the explosion at premises in the harbour area of Friarton Road.
A police spokesman said: “Emergency services are at the scene and people are advised to avoid the area.”
Friarton bridge at Perth closed due to another big fire at @ViridorUK recycling site. Traffic is gridlocked around the city. pic.twitter.com/9bok3VlLno
Traffic Scotland tweeted: “The Friarton Bridge remains closed both ways this morning due to a serious fire in the industrial estate below the bridge.
“Police are directing traffic locally through Perth and are asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.”
There were no reports of any casualties.
Local MP Pete Wishart advised people to plan ahead if they were driving in the area.
He Tweeted: “It is very busy in Perth with the closure of the Friarton Bridge so plan your journey if you are coming to the city or using the M90 on Tayside.
“Hoping all OK and no one was injured in the fire.”
Huge explosion at Perth harbour causing Friarton Bridge to close this morning.
Massive plume of smoke can still be seen bellowing out. I hope no one was hurt. pic.twitter.com/wzQ9lYCdEy
Scottish Greens Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said:“This is a very concerning incident and my team and I are monitoring events very closely.
“My understanding is there has been some kind of explosion around an industrial recycling centre in the early hours, causing a significant fire and sending thick smoke high into the air.
“Because of the nature of the incident there is clearly some disruption for locals and for commuters as the Friarton Bridge – the main link towards Dundee and Edinburgh and surrounding areas for example – has been closed.”
He added: “I would ask people to exercise patience and where they can seek alternative routes to allow first responders and other agencies to go about their work.“Our thanks go to the emergency services who have been working through the night to deal with this and to assess the situation moving forward.”
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