FIRE HERO BARRY IN FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE
Council in tribute to emergency crews
A FIREFIGHTER critically injured as he battled a huge blaze in a former department store has been named by bosses.
Barry Martin sustained serious injuries and was last night battling for his life at edinburgh royal infirmary.
the scottish Fire and rescue service confimed the 38-year-old was one of five firefighters taken to hospital following the incident at the old Jenners building on Monday morning.
two were treated for burns and two for smoke inhalation and have since been discharged.
A police officer was taken to the same hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and later released.
emergency services attended the scene on Monday as a fire scorched the building and smoke billowed on to st David street.
scottish Fire and rescue service interim chief officer, ross Haggart, said: “the fire at the Jenners building is a very serious and complex incident and regrettably i can confirm that five of our colleagues were taken to hospital for treatment.
“Four have now been discharged, however one remains in a critical condition. the families of all those affected have been made aware. We currently remain at the scene with one appliance to monitor the building for any remaining hotspots.”
“Our thoughts are very much with Barry and his family and, indeed, with all of our colleagues who were injured in responding to this incident.
“Barry is a firefighter based in edinburgh and we ask that everyone please respect his family’s privacy at this time.
“We continue to provide all possible support to our colleagues and their families, as well as all staff involved.
“We are liaising with appropriate partners to ensure a full and thorough investigation is undertaken into this incident.”
the cause of the fire is still unknown.
edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said: “i’m sure i say this on behalf of the whole city, that our thoughts are with the firefighters who risked their lives to save the building and save the people around the city as well.”
We Are Thinking Of Firefighters Who Risk Their Lives Cammy Day Edinburgh City Council Leader