TRADERS have returned to work in part of a Scotland’s largest produce market after it was badly damaged by a huge fire.

More than 70 firefighters were needed to bring the blaze under control at Blochairn Fruit Market, Glasgow, during the early hours of Thursday.

Employees at the market were safely evacuated but sales and deliveries of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers to businesses across the country were badly hit and there was a warning of a knock-on effect for businesses across the west of Scotland.

Part of the building was untouched by the flames and traders were allowed to return on Thursday evening.

City Property, which owns the building, said it was working to find other temporary sites for the units damaged by the fire.

“Temporary sites have been identified to allow those tenants directly affected to continue trading as close to business as normal as possible, with the west warehouse within the markets site immediately available,” a spokesman said.

“We will continue to explore a short-term arrangement at a nearby site to provide additional space.’’ The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said a “good proportion’’ of the two-storey building survived and Deputy Assistant Chief Officer John Joyce praised the work of crews.

Hundreds of workers were just starting their shifts when smoke appeared from a units, believed to belong to RS Trading, one of around 40 units based there.

One eyewitness said: “There was smoke everywhere within seconds and when the Fire Brigade arrived 10 minutes after the alarm, that is when the fire properly ignited. From there it just went into mayhem.”

Most of the staff members were outside when the blaze started and were able to evacuate calmly.

Lorry drivers, some of whom had travelled from the continent, were woken as they slept in their vehicles in the car park outside and told to evacuate.

Maureen Brogan, from traders J&P Brogan, said her units survived the fire but all traders will now need to “try and help each other’’.

Speaking yesterday, she said: “Thank God no-one has been injured, that is number one.

“We are actually one of the lucky ones, our units have not been touched.

“And there will be people wondering if they have a job left.

“I genuinely feel for the other traders who have woken up to nothing.’’ While work is under way to repair the damage, politicians and support agencies say they will act quickly to prevent any lasting damage to the local economy.

Glasgow North East MP Paul Sweeney said the market is vital to the area, employing around 400 people. It is a key part of our economy, turning over £250 million worth of produce a year,”

he said.

“I will be working closely with Glasgow City Council and City Property to ensure we protect the employees and traders and try to find temporary accommodation nearby for the businesses which have lost their premises.”

Economy Secretary Keith Brown is also working to minimise disruption.

He said: “It is a relief to see no injuries have been reported and I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and hard work in effectively dealing with what was a major fire.

“However, we recognise it is a hugely worrying time for traders and businesses and our officials have been in contact with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Markets and Scottish Enterprise who have confirmed that urgent steps are being taken to minimise any disruption to trading.’’