Clackmannanshire Council has said Alva Academy will remain closed on Wednesday as a precaution because of the ongoing fire at the nearby industrial estate.

On Tuesday, firefighters tackled a large blaze at a printing factory in the town.

At one point in the afternoon, 100 firefighters from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue, along with colleagues from Lothian and Borders and Fife, fought the fire at the Benkert factory in East Stirling Street.

By Tuesday night, 75 firefighters were still in attendance tackling the blaze and a spokesperson from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue said they will fight the fire throughout the night.

The alarm was raised at around 11.25am and the nearby Alva Academy and some houses were subsequently evacuated. Pupils were sent home or to the Cochrane Hall, which was set up by the local council.

Local residents in Alva and Menstrie were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed as a precaution as the fumes may cause minor irritation. A spokesperson from Central Scotland Police said this advice remained in force on Tuesday night.
No casualties have been reported.

A number of roads were closed in the area, including the A91 Stirling to St Andrews road through Alva. The road re-opened on Tuesday night, with only local roads near to the factory still closed.

Benkert UK Ltd, formerly known as Interbobbin, moved to its premises in Alva Industrial Estate in 1986. The 7000 metre sq manufacturing facility operates seven days a week and employs more than 130 people.

The factory, which converts tipping base paper from leading approved suppliers into tipping, exports to more than 30 countries.