Fire fighters remained at the scene overnight, using constant water jets of water to cool down a potentially explosive oxyacetylene cylinder which prompted the evacuation of over 200 local residents.

Police set up a 24-hour exclusion zone and Webster's High School provided a refuge for those forced out of their homes.

Among those affected were 80 households in Glengate, Gordon Park, Park Place and Whiteside.

Police and firefighters helped residents flee their home at the height of yesterday's blaze, which burned the business run by owner Jim Campbell since 1982 to a cinder.



Around 30 firefighters battled 30 foot flames after the fire broke out shortly after 1 p.m.

It is understood two employees, named locally as mechanic Davie MacDonald and panel beater Duncan Wood, were in the garage when the fire broke out in the cab of a Ford Transit pick-up being worked on.

The pair attempted to fight the flames but were beaten back when it quickly spread out of control.

Mr MacDonald was later taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital suffering from what were described as slight injuries.

Throughout the incident crowds were drawn to the scene.

Local teenager Daryl Beech was on hand with his camera phone and sent in his snapshots of the drama unfolding.



Firefighters from the local fire station situated right next door to the garage were assisted by units from Forfar and Alyth, with a unit and aerial ladder from Dundee.

They faced what was described as an "extremely difficult and hazardous situation", with numerous explosions at the garage during the fire-fighting operation.

Because of their proximity to the scene, the Kirriemuir fire appliances had to be relocated outwith the cordon to remain active as the station was ruled out of bounds.

Police officers from across Tayside were drafted in to maintain the exclusion zone.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.