Johnstone Mill Blaze

At around 16:00hrs this evening,strathclyde fire and rescue were alerted to a report of fire in Patons mill, High street, Johnston.The unoccupied premises (a former threadmill) consisted of various traditionally built structures including the main five storey mill house and tower, which are category One listed buildings.

On arrival fire crews were faced with a well developed fire within the main structure. The initial incident commander immediately requested further assistance via the services Operations control centre.Within a relatively short period of time, the fire flashed over due to the massive volumes of hot flammable fire gases and smoke being generated.This flashover resulted in the immediate full involvement of the building in fire.

A specialist high volume pump was subsequently submerged into the Black cart waters in order to supply the vast amounts of water required. Two high reach aerial rescue appliances were utilised to direct large capacity water monitors onto the flames as well as various portable water monitors and hand held jets.

At the height of the blaze, there were serious concerns of the fire spreading to neighbouring residential tenement properties and business's, due to ignited embers being blown onto surrounding buildings. This included a secondary fire being started in the folliage surrounding a nearby petrol station which was around 100 meters away from the main blaze. These issues were dealt with rapidly by the crews in attendance.

Due to the severity of the blaze and the high risk of the collapse of the building, fire crews were forced to direct firefighting operations from a safe distance.

There are currently around 12 firefighting appliances and additional highreach and specialist vehicles in attendance supported by around 80 fire service personnel.

At the  present time the main structure has mostly collapsed, but is however, still leaving some high unsupported walls in a very precarious position.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue has been supported throughout this incident by Strathclyde Police and and a number of other partner agencies.

The incident is still ongoing and expected to require a fire service presence for some considerable time.

There is no further information available at this time.