More than fifty firefighters were involved in tackling a blaze at a tenement flat in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh today (29 January).
Five people were rescued from the building on Fountainbridge after a first floor tenement flat went on fire shortly before 10.15am. A further two women who self-rescued were taken to hospital with severe smoke inhalation and a man also self-rescued but was not treated as a casualty.
The five rescued by firefighters using a height appliance were all treated at the scene by ambulance personnel.
Five appliances were sent to the scene along with a number of specialist appliances after Fire Control received several calls reporting a flat alight.
The first units were on the scene within two minutes of being mobilised from Tollcross fire station, which is just round the corner from where the fire broke out.
When crews arrived, they saw thick black smoke and flames coming from the window of the affected property and discovered two women who were already out of the building but who had been badly affected by smoke inhalation.
Ten firefighters in breathing apparatus were used to fight the fire and check the six properties in the affected stair for other residents. One woman, who was in the flat above the property where the fire broke out, was given fire survival guidance by Control Room staff until crews were able to get to her and rescue her.
As well as tackling the blaze, fire crews were systematically checking properties to ensure that no one else was trapped or overcome by the smoke from the fire. The incident commander was satisfied that all the premises were thoroughly searched and clear just after midday.
Lothian Road was closed for a number of hours to allow for firefighting operations to take place. Crews will remain on site for the rest of the afternoon to clear the debris from the affected properties and begin fire investigation.
No further information is available at this time on those who went to hospital or were rescued.
what stations/ appliances turned out to this horrible fire
Tollcross, McDonald Road, Crewe Toll, Marionville, Liberton.
Has the cause of the fire been established?
Don’t have fire investigation results back yet, sorry.
Good evening was just the Incerdent report on the fire at fonitanbrigde i hope that the people of the flats and property got out safe and well and the fire crews and scottish amblance service brought the incerdent to a safe conclusion
Hello Roy. Fortunately firefighters were able to rescue all those at risk from the fire safely. The Scottish Ambulance Service took two women who were suffering from smoke inhalation to hospital for treatment.
what crews were in attendance to the fire in leith on friday?
Hi Steve. I’m not able to check at the moment and away Monday. Will try and check Tuesday.
i hope both woman are well and safe after there ordeal and once again well done to all multi agent for doing a sterling job at Locus
Thank you Roy, it was a significant incident at that time of day and given the city centre location. We hope those affected will make a swift recovery.
Hello
Is there any update as to what caused the fire yet?
Thank you
Hi Jo, not yet. Dayshift crews have taken over at the scene today and we will assess whether/when we can access the building to facilitate fire investigation.
No problem.