- Two firefighters suffer minor injuries
- 70 firefighters, 12 appliances deployed
- 100 residents, MSP evacuated
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), there are currently 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances, and resources at the incident location.
Since an early morning fire broke out, approximately one hundred residents, including an MSP, have been evacuated from a block of apartments, resulting in the injuries of two firefighters.
Approximately seventy firefighters are still battling the flames on Breadalbane Street in Edinburgh.
The alarm was activated at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), in addition to the resources above, twelve fire appliances are still present at the location.
The fire initially spread to adjacent apartments on the same floor and above, according to SFRS, but is now confined to a single area.
Two firefighters have suffered minor superficial injuries, which the Scottish Ambulance Service assessed at the scene. They did not need hospitalization.
A cordon has been erected, and approximately one hundred residents have been evacuated, according to Police Scotland.
All occupants of the building have been accounted for, and no casualties involving members of the public have been reported, according to SFRS.
Andy Garrity, the deputy assistant chief officer of the SFRS, stated, “At this time, firefighting efforts are continuing to contain the blaze and ensure that the incident is resolved safely.
“This incident was extremely complicated and required the evacuation of many individuals.
“Our personnel have diligently attempted to contain this fire and prevent its spread throughout the building.
“A substantial emergency service presence is present, and our presence will persist for an extended duration at the location.
I advise the general public to abstain from entering the area.
MSP for Central Scotland Graham Simpson was present among the structure’s occupants.
He stated on Thursday morning, “When the fire alarm went off, everyone began to evacuate, and everyone successfully exited the building.”
A fire broke out in the property on the fifth floor, where flames emanated; the fire has since spread to the sixth floor, where smoke continues to escape.
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Flames are still visible; they have spread to the stairwell.
Although individuals managed to escape, the situation remained tremendously dramatic.
The Scottish Conservative politician lauded the fire brigades’ efforts but stated that a vehicle access issue at the building’s entrance complicates the operation.
According to him, firefighters must transport ladders to the front of the building and position them against the balconies.
Mr. Simpson stated, “They have successfully maneuvered around the rear.” A turntable ladder has been observed dispensing water into the apartments from that location; however, it cannot reach the front properly.
“They have entered some apartments and sprayed water from balconies, but the fire is still raging now.”
“A turntable ladder should be accessible to the fire department from the building’s front entrance via vehicle.
“It is absurd that they must physically carry and assemble ladders to balconies.” Although they are putting forth an excellent effort, the fire continues to burn.
Later on Thursday, during First Minister’s Questions, Humza Yousaf expressed gratitude to the emergency services.
He further stated, “I am extremely relieved to see that through their efforts, everyone was able to evacuate safely and without injury, including Graham Simpson, who was present.”
