2006-06-28 Major blaze treated as suspicious

Police are treating as suspicious the cause of a major blaze at an Aberdeenshire yard which was tackled by more than 60 firefighters.
Thousands of wooden pallets caught fire in Wilson Street, Peterhead, just before 0030 on Tuesday.

Thirteen people were evacuated from nearby homes as a precaution and several streets were closed off.

Grampian Police said the fire - visible from Aberdeen - was being treated as suspicious and appealed for witnesses.

Eight appliances were at the scene at one stage, and by the afternoon two units were still there ensuring it was safe.

A rest centre was set up for residents overnight before they were allowed home.

'Difficult task'

Detective Inspector Colin Walker, who said it appeared malicious, explained: "We are awaiting the result of the joint fire and police investigation, but there would appear to be no other obvious explanation at this stage."

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service station manager Sean Cox told BBC Scotland: "Officers were faced with a particularly difficult task but they dealt with it well.

"The heat was extreme and crews worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of the fire."