A significant fire broke out in a block of flats in Leith, Edinburgh, causing the evacuation of 100 residents and deploying 60 firefighters to the scene. No injuries have been reported as emergency services continue to battle the blaze.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, a substantial fire broke out in a block of flats on Breadalbane Street in Leith, Edinburgh, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze at 4.10am, subsequently deploying 12 fire engines and around 60 firefighters to tackle the incident. Despite the severity of the fire, which witnesses described as producing heavy smoke visible throughout the vicinity, there have been no injuries reported.
The fire, which originated on the fifth floor, rapidly spread upwards, compelling emergency teams to work diligently to control and extinguish it. Access issues presented challenges for firefighters attempting to reach the front of the building due to its design, necessitating manual effort to transport ladders to access balconies and higher floors.
Conservative MSP Graham Simpson, who was among those evacuated, documented the scene and praised the emergency services for their efforts under difficult circumstances. Simpson emphasized the dramatic nature of the event, with flames visibly engulfing parts of the building, and highlighted the significance of fire safety measures.
As the fire service continues its operations, a police cordon remains in effect to ensure public safety. The cause of the blaze is still unknown, with investigations expected to commence following the conclusion of the firefighting efforts.
