ALVA was brought to a virtual standstill yesterday morning (November 10) as an industrial fire tore through a cigarette paper factory in the town, writes Henry Ainslie.

Fire crews from eight different towns across central Scotland – including Alloa, Tillicoultry and Stirling – battled with huge flames at the Benkert factory on the town’s East Stirling street shortly after 11.30am on Tuesday.

An eyewitnesses said a loud bang was heard before employees fled the building.
The fumes from the fire may cause mild irritation and police advise residents in the Alva and Menstrie area to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

 

Alva Academy was evacuated and only reopened on Thursday morning.