Firefighters hurt as flats evacuated in Edinburgh blaze
Around 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Breadalbane Street
- Published
Two firefighters have suffered minor injuries after about 100 residents were evacuated from an early hours blaze at flats in Edinburgh.
Around 70 firefighters tackled the fire in Breadalbane Street, Bonnington, with Police Scotland also in attendance.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it sent 12 fire engines and specialist vehicles to the scene after the alarm was raised at 04:10.
It said there were "no reported casualties" involving members of the public.
A spokesperson added: "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."
Resident Harry Williams said: "The fire alarm went off at about 04:00 and the fire brigade turned up.
“It was initially a small fire contained to one small flat, however that has spread to other flats.
“We’ve got residents out on the streets looking at their properties burning.”
Firefighters hurt as flats evacuated in Edinburgh blaze
Mr Williams, who works as an engineer, said five flats appeared heavily damaged by flames with another 15 to 20 properties potentially damaged by smoke.
He added: “People are pretty shaken and tired and upset. To be honest I am feeling a little bit numb.
“The police are looking after us. They have got us into a building across the road."
Firefighters doused the flames in the upper floors of the building
About 100 people have been evacuated
Emergency crews remained at the scene at daylight
Conservative MSP for Central Scotland Graham Simpson, who has a property in the block, was among the residents evacuated.
He said: “It started on the fifth floor and it’s spread up to the sixth floor and it seems it has gone into the stair well.
“I have seen people in tears because they have potentially lost their homes.
“Everyone was evacuated and everyone is safe, so that’s the main thing.
Mr Simpson suggested the design of the flats was "an issue" that caused difficulty for firefighters reaching the blaze.
He added: “The fire brigade can’t drive up to the front of the flats so they’re having to carry ladders up to the front to get to balconies.
“They are doing a fantastic job but they are limited by the design."
Swift response
The SFRS said fire crews remained in attendance on Bredalbane Street.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Girrity, the officer in charge, said: “The fire is contained and firefighting operations remain ongoing to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
“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.
Police Scotland said officers had been called to the incident at 04:35.
A spokesperson added: "Approximately 100 local residents have been evacuated and a police cordon is in place."
Edinburgh city council said health and social care officers were supporting residents and a rest centre had been set up at Leith Community Centre.
Council leader Cammy Day said: "We'll continue to support all agencies and the local community and explore temporary accommodation should it be required.
"I'm very grateful to the emergency services for their ongoing swift response."