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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Thom

Crews tackling huge 'grass fire' as smoke 'pours through' streets

Emergency crews have been tackling a huge 'grass fire' that is burning near to an Ayrshire village.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent out three appliances to tackle the flames and thick smoke around 4.47pm on Thursday evening near to Patna.

Firefighters remain at the scene today in East Ayrshire as they fight to control the blaze.

Residents have told how smoke has poured into the village with some locals with asthma reportedly suffering from breathing difficulties.

One resident told Ayrshire Live: "The smoke yesterday was smoking the full village out. It was pouring through the streets."

Local councillor Drew Filson says residents have been left concerned over the level of smoke.

The councillor for Doon Valley said: "There is smoke in people’s houses who are struggling, a lot of folk who have asthma as well who are finding it difficult.

“Some residents live up near the hillside even closer to the fire, it is a real concern."

It is feared the fire has come directly from coal seams which have been burning for years.

Ayrshire Live previously reported how a burning filed the size of a football pitch was creating a mysterious lava that was turning the area "to dust."

Councillor Filson added: "I'm really concerned it is the coal seams causing it.

"The grass is really dry right now because of the warm summer we're having.

"We need to try and get more control over it."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 4.47pm on Thursday, June 15 to reports of a grass fire in Patna in East Ayrshire.

"Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the scene, where crews remain in attendance as they work to extinguish the fire and make the area safe."

The UK coal mining community response team has been approached for comment.

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