Cause of Rendall fire under further investigation

Investigations into a fire in Rendall are continuing this week, after the cause was found to be unknown.

Initial reports from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as to the suspected cause of a fire at Appietown, in Rendall, said that a “failed power cable” coming into contact with bales caused the huge plume of smoke last Sunday morning.

However, further reports from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and the SFRS have said the cause is unknown. The fire saw SSEN cut the power to 20 properties, as they de-energised a high voltage power line near the fire, to allow the three SFRS teams who attended the scene to control the fire.

The farmer and landowner at Appietown, Tom Flett, praised the fire services and friendly neighbours for their response to the incident. Speaking to The Orcadian on Monday, he said things could have been much worse had it not been for the speedy actions of fire crews who attended the scene.

He said: “We would just like to say a huge thanks to the fire services — we had three fire engines and we spoiled their Sunday lunches!”

“They were just fantastic, very helpful folk. Thanks also to our neighbours too — we had about 40 folk up here who offered to help. Finally, thanks to the Scottish and Southern Energy boys who were very helpful and got the power back on right away.”