aberdeen-fire-extinguished-after-nearly-five-hours-rthk

Aberdeen Shipyard Fire Extinguished After Nearly Five Hours

A raging fire at a shipyard in Aberdeen was finally extinguished at 8:55 pm on Friday after nearly five hours of intense firefighting efforts. The blaze, which started around 4:11 pm, required a massive response from over 220 firefighters and rescue workers to bring it under control.

Intense Battle with the Blaze
The fire, initially reported as a No. 3 alarm, quickly escalated due to the presence of fibreglass boats undergoing repairs at the shipyard. This highly flammable material exacerbated the spread of the fire, posing a significant challenge to the firefighting teams. The sheer size of the shipyard further complicated the situation, making it difficult to contain the flames.

Evacuation and Minimal Casualties
As the fire raged on, 61 people had to be evacuated from the area for their safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the scale of the blaze. However, the emotional toll on those affected was immense, with one shipyard owner, a woman surnamed Lau, expressing profound sadness over the devastating losses incurred.

Gratitude for Timing
In a stroke of luck, the fire broke out in the afternoon, allowing for a swifter response from emergency services. A shipyard owner, a man surnamed Cheung, highlighted the potential catastrophe that could have unfolded if the fire had occurred at night when the shipyard would have been deserted. His words underscored the importance of timing in averting a more significant disaster.

Investigation Ongoing
While the flames have been extinguished, officials are now focused on determining the cause of the fire. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the origins of the destructive blaze.

As the Aberdeen community begins the process of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this devastating fire, the resilience and spirit of unity displayed during the crisis serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.