Crews tackle large fire at Saddlers Brae Farm
Firefighters mounted a major response to a blaze at Saddlers Brae Farm in Kirkintilloch after thick smoke was spotted billowing into the sky on Saturday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed the incident began at around 2.08pm on 18 July, with crews remaining on scene into the evening to fully extinguish the fire. No injuries have been reported.
The fire, at a site just off Langmuir Road, initially drew two appliances before being escalated to a six-engine operation as firefighters worked to contain and douse the flames. Images shared with local media showed large plumes of smoke visible from across the surrounding area.
Response scaled up as smoke spread across area
According to SFRS, crews were in attendance throughout the afternoon and evening, leaving the scene at 11.12pm once the fire was out. The service has not yet confirmed how the blaze started. Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
While the fire prompted substantial smoke, there were no reports of injuries. Residents reported seeing the column from various vantage points around Kirkintilloch, underlining the scale of the incident even as firefighters worked to bring it under control.
What we know so far
- Location: Saddlers Brae Farm, off Langmuir Road, Kirkintilloch
- First call received: 2.08pm, Saturday 18 July
- Resources deployed: Six fire appliances at peak
- Crews stood down: 11.12pm, after full extinguishment
- Injuries: No reports
- Cause: Unconfirmed; enquiries ongoing
Operational timeline
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 2.08pm | Initial call to SFRS; two appliances mobilised |
| Afternoon | Response escalated to six appliances as crews tackled fire |
| Evening | Firefighters remain on scene to damp down and make area safe |
| 11.12pm | All crews leave scene after extinguishing fire |
Public information and next steps
Although the source of the blaze has not yet been established, the scale of the response highlights the potential hazards posed by agricultural and outbuilding fires during warmer, drier conditions. SFRS typically advises residents who encounter smoke from nearby incidents to keep windows closed and stay clear of emergency cordons to allow access for crews. Anyone with relevant information or footage from around the time of the fire may wish to contact the authorities to assist with enquiries.
Local roads near Langmuir Road may have experienced disruption during the operation as fire appliances accessed the site, though no formal closures were confirmed by SFRS at the time of publication. Updates on the cause are expected once fire investigators and Police Scotland have concluded their initial checks.
Context for residents
Kirkintilloch has seen a number of recent call-outs that have drawn significant resources, and Saturday’s incident underscores the importance of prompt reporting and clear access for emergency vehicles in rural-urban fringe locations. While the absence of injuries is welcome, the visual impact of smoke travelling across neighbourhoods can be distressing. Residents concerned about smoke exposure should consider standard precautions such as limiting outdoor activity in the immediate vicinity of a fire and following official advice if issued.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor developments and will publish verified updates from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland as they become available, including any confirmed findings on the origin of the blaze at Saddlers Brae Farm.
