The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
City centre apartments fire causes rush hour gridlock
Chaos for commuters as Bridge Street sealed off
An early morning blaze brought a busy Inverness street to a halt yesterday during rush hour.
The fire, reported to have started shortly before 8.40am, took hold in the Bridge Street Apartments located above Johnny Foxes and Zizzi.
About 20 firefighters were in attendance to tackle the blaze with flames visible from the walkway below Inverness Castle. An ambulance was also mobilised to the scene with one person treated on scene for smoke inhalation. The individual did not require further treatment or transfer to hospital.
A cordon was set up on the B861 at Bridge Street stretching from the corner of Zizzi’s Restaurant to the entrance of Primark, with morning commuters experiencing delays and diversions as access through the B861 was denied.
Four fire crews from Inverness, including one height appliance, were mobilised to the scene shortly before 8.40am after reports were received of the fire on a first-floor balcony.
Police personnel also attended to direct cars as the road closure was put in place.
A fire service spokeswoman said: “We received a call at 8.39am to reports of a fire on a firstfloor balcony above Johnny Foxes.
“Four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets were in use, alongside small gear and a thermal imaging camera.”
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters were seen conducting safety checks at the other properties in the complex and in the nearby Primark shop.
The road reopened shortly after 11am as the fire service left the scene.
A police spokeswoman said there are no suspicious circumstances.
One resident said: “The first I knew about it was when the alarm went off and I got out.
“As far as I am aware it is a rented apartment. I am hoping to get back in soon.”
“The first I knew about it was when the alarm went off”