A fierce blaze has broken out at the former St Benedict's convent in Dumfries, sparking an emergency response. The fire took hold shortly before 2.30am today at the famous landmark, located on Maxwell Street in the town.
Mercy crews including dozens of firefighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and officers from Police Scotland raced to the scene in a bid to temper the blaze.
Photos taken at the site, which were shared on social media, show bright orange flames ravaging the abandoned building, which dates back to 1884, while plumes of ashy grey smoke billow into the air.
Large trees and shrubbery are situated dangerously close to the inferno, but appear to be largely unaffected by the event. Another image taken from a property nearby shows a fireball erupting into the night sky.
It is understood surrounding streets have been sealed off to protect residents from the ongoing incident. Hero fire fighters remain at the scene this morning as efforts continue to tackle the blaze.
It is believed no one has suffered any injuries thus far. The property was the setting for Peter Mullan's 2002 film the Magdalene Sisters.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Crews were alerted at 2.25am to reports of a fire affecting a derelict building on Maxwell Street, Dumfries.
"Operational control mobilised nine appliances and a number of other resources to the scene. Crews remain in attendance as they work to extinguish the fire. There are no reports of casualties at this time."
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