‘Dramatic’ evacuation after major fire takes hold at Edinburgh block of flats
Two firefighters have been injured tackling a blaze at a block of flats that led to the homes of 100 people, including an MSP, being evacuated.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said two firefighters sustained minor injuries tackling the blaze, which broke out in Breadalbane Street, Edinburgh, around 4.10am yesterday.
The service said around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources were at the scene of the “well-developed fire” at a high rise building and the blaze was now “contained”.
SFRS said in a statement: “Around 100 people were safely evacuated and all people are accounted for. There are no reported casualties involving members of the public.
“Two firefighters have sustained minor superficial injuries and have been assessed at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. They do not require hospital treatment.”
City of Edinburgh Council said a rest centre for affected residents has been set up at the nearby Leith Community Centre.
Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson was among those staying in the building at the time.
Speaking around 8am, he said: “The fire alarm went off and people started evacuating and everybody got out. There is a fire in the fifth floor flat and flames were belching out of that flat, and it has then spread upwards to the sixth floor.
“Everybody has been evacuated, nobody has been hurt, that’s the main thing, but some people will have lost their homes.”
Mr Simpson, a Scottish Conservative MSP, said access issues had made it more difficult for fire crews as they could not drive up to the front of the building.
He said: “They have managed to drive up round the back. I’ve seen a turntable ladder spraying water into the flats from there, but they cannot get proper access to the front.”
He added: “It’s quite ludicrous they are having to carry ladders up and physically put ladders up to balconies.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf posted on social media to thank emergency services for their efforts in tackling the fire.
"I am pleased that everyone was evacuated safely and without any serious injuries being reported,” he said. “Nonetheless, a terrifying experience for all of those involved.” Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day said: “Thankfully everyone has been evacuated to safety, but this is a large-scale fire which is affecting as many as 100 residents.
“We have council and health and social care officers on the scene to support residents, with a rest centre set up at the nearby
Leith Community Centre.”
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Andy Girrity, the officer in charge, said: “This has been a complex incident which involved the evacuation of a large number of people. Our crews have worked tirelessly to contain this fire and prevent further spread within the building.
“There is a large-scale emergency service presence and we will remain on the scene for a considerable time.”