Fire at Edinburgh Flats Forces Evacuation of 100 Residents
About 100 residents have been evacuated from a block of flats in Edinburgh after a large fire broke out in the early hours of the night. The blaze, which started sometime after midnight, quickly spread through parts of the building, prompting an urgent response from emergency services and a large-scale evacuation effort.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that multiple fire crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after reports of the fire came in. Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with a developing blaze, forcing them to move quickly to evacuate residents and prevent the fire from spreading further.
As of this morning, the fire is still ongoing. Crews remain at the scene, battling the flames as smoke continues to billow into the sky above the area. The full extent of the damage is not yet known, and the cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
Fortunately, there are currently no reports of serious injuries. Emergency responders acted swiftly to ensure residents were moved to safety. Many of those affected were directed to Leith Community Centre at the Kirkgate, where temporary accommodation is being coordinated by the local council in conjunction with emergency relief services.
A spokesperson for the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Our priority is the safety and well-being of those affected. We are working closely with partners at the community centre to make sure everyone has somewhere warm, safe, and secure to stay. Staff are on hand to support residents with information, food, and other necessities.”
Local councillors and volunteers have also been assisting with the response, providing blankets, refreshments, and support to the evacuated residents, many of whom were forced to leave their homes in a hurry during the night. Some left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke alarms rang out and residents were told to evacuate. “I woke up to shouting and could smell smoke. We were told to get out immediately. It was frightening,” said one woman, who was staying with her family on the third floor of the building.
Emergency services have cordoned off the affected area, and members of the public are being urged to avoid the scene to allow crews to work without obstruction. Road closures are also in place in the surrounding streets.
Authorities say it may be several hours before the fire is fully under control and before residents can return to assess the damage to their homes. Fire investigators are expected to begin a full assessment once the fire has been extinguished and the site is deemed safe.
In the meantime, local organisations have begun gathering donations for those affected, including clothing, toiletries, and food. The council has encouraged anyone who wants to help to contact Leith Community Centre directly for information on what is needed.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
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