3 Jump From Glasgow Tenement Blaze
Fire crews rescue 5 more from blaze in Shawlands last night
Three people had to jump for their lives before the fire brigade arrived at a blaze on the south side of Glasgow last night.
Crews rescued five others from the first floor of the tenement in Mannering Road in Shawlands just after half past 9.
The incident commander, Station Manager Scott Murray, said: “Our crews arrived to find an already well-developed fire in a ground floor property and thick smoke affecting the floors above.
“Eight firefighters in breathing apparatus were committed to the building to tackle the fire and conduct a systematic search.
“Three adults and two children were rescued by firefighters using ladders. The five appeared to be suffering from slight smoke inhalation and they received treatment from paramedics.”
Ambulances took six people to the South Glasgow University Hospital and, after extinguishing the fire and ensuring everyone was accounted for, the SFRS crews used a thermal imaging camera and conducted extensive cutting away to check for hidden fire spread.
Station Manager Murray explained: “None of us can ever afford to think fire is something that can only happen to other people - it really can strike anywhere and this incident shows how quickly neighbouring properties can become affected.
“Thick smoke from this fire rapidly spread through the building’s close and the heavy smoke logging on all floors blocked people’s exit.
“It would obviously be a very frightening experience and that should bring home to all of us the importance of having early warning so a 999 call can be made and firefighters can get there quickly.”
He added: “Working smoke alarms are essential devices for every home and everyone needs to make sure they and those close to them have this vital protection.”
Firefighters throughout Scotland are engaged in a week of action to reach those at highest risk of experiencing a fire or being injured as a result.
SFRS appealing for people to get in touch if they or someone they know may benefit from advice or support to reduce the chance of a fire starting and help them stay safe and confident in their homes.
Free home fire safety visits take around 20 minutes to complete and are conducted by local SFRS crews at a time convenient for the householder.
They are available by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800