Huge fire in Portobello leaves public baffled

FIREFIGHTERS were called in to douse a huge fire that destroyed a van in a Portobello residential area yesterday.
Plumes of smoke were visible from as far afield as Port Seton. Picture: Helen SpencerPlumes of smoke were visible from as far afield as Port Seton. Picture: Helen Spencer
Plumes of smoke were visible from as far afield as Port Seton. Picture: Helen Spencer

Fire crews were alerted to the incident on Magdalene Drive at 3.15pm yesterday afternoon.

Many witnesses took to social media to comment on the fire. Helen Spencer said she could see the blaze as far as away on Longniddry Bents, east of Port Seton.

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She said: “I saw a big plume of thick, dark grey smoke and wondered what it was. It disappeared after about 30 minutes.”

No one was injured and crews brought the fire under control after arriving around 3.20pm.

A spokesperson for Scottish Fire & Rescue Service said: “Operations Control immediately mobilised one appliance and firefighters extinguished the flames using a high powered hose.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”