Scottish fire station damaged by blaze

A fire station has been badly damaged after a blaze ripped through the building.

Around 40 firefighters were called to the part-time North Berwick station, in East Lothian, Scotland, after heavy smoke was seen at about 5.20am.

Two fire engines and the building itself were damaged, and police had to assist early morning commuters trying to access the nearby train station, which was closed to traffic.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: "When retained crews first arrived at the scene the station was well alight and they were unable to safely access the building, immediately requesting more resources to the scene.

"A risk assessment was carried out and as smoke was blowing towards the sea it was deemed safest to leave residents in a nearby housing estate indoors and clear from the worst of the smoke and the cold weather.

"Our business continuity plans have been activated to ensure that there is adequate cover in the immediate area given that North Berwick fire station has been significantly damaged.

"Crews have been working very hard in difficult weather conditions to extinguish the blaze. Fire investigation is on the scene but it is too early to say what caused the fire."

Crews were called in from East Linton, Haddington, Dunbar, Newcraighall and Tranent in the local area.

An incident support unit from Marionville, a command support unit from Liberton and a height appliance from McDonald Road in Edinburgh also attended.

PA