Rush to gallery
Microwave blaze at Stirling Smith
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum was evacuated after a microwave caught fire on Friday morning.
Fire crews rushed to the premises on Dumbarton Road shortly before 9am after flames took hold and alarms were sounded within the building.
The museum was evacuated and firefighters entered the building before extinguishing the fire – which was thought to have been caused by a faulty kitchen appliance.
A cordon was erected around the building while the flames were put out. Nobody was injured and there was no other damage to exhibits or artwork within the Smith. The public were allowed back inside later in the morning and business resumed as normal over the weekend.
Michael McGuinness, collections manager, insists those at the Smith are grateful for the quick actions of the fire brigade.
He said: “A microwave went up in flames and the alarms were sounded so everyone left. We think it was faulty so it’s been sent back to the manufacturer.
“We’re lucky the fire station is just down the road and the appliances were here within three minutes. They were very quick to respond.
“There was no damage within the building and we were back open to the public later on Friday morning.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called out at 8.43am on Friday April 7 to reports of a fire at a business premises in Dumbarton Road.
“Two fire appliances were immediately mobilised. Firefighters extinguished a small fire in the kitchen and ventilated the area.
“Crews left the scene at 9.41am after ensuring the area was made safe.”