100 firefighters tackle Stobhill Hospital blaze
Concerns raised about security at the derelict site
Last updated 1st Aug 2018
More than 100 firefighters were called out to tackle a major blaze at the old Stobhill Hospital site in the north of Glasgow.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says were were called shortly after 8.15 and at its height, 20 fire appliances were involved in the operation.
In an update at 8am Scottish Fire and Rescue said 20 firefighters were still at the scene but said the fire has been contained although a few pockets remained.
SFRS Area Manager Gordon Pryde said: “The fire has now largely been contained, but this has undoubtedly been a challenging and protracted incident.
“A phenomenal amount of work has been done overnight to bring this fire under control, and to protect surrounding buildings.
“I must praise the response and professionalism of our firefighters - they have been exceptional.
“And I would like to thank our Operations Control firefighters for working effectively with our partners throughout the night and into today.
“There is more work to do, and crews will remain on the scene as they work to extinguish the fire."
One report said the blaze was centred on the old X-ray department and now local MP, and historic buildings campaigner, Paul Sweeney is raising questions about security at the site of the derelict hospital.
He told Clyde News: "This is the third major fire at Stobhill since the inpatient hospital closed and it really raises questions about how the security is being managed on the site and the longer term future of these histic buildings, some of which are listed.
"I intend to raise my concerns with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and discuss the future of the site as quickly as possible and make sure, in the short term, security is increased to prevent these incidents.
"They tend to coincide with the school holidays which suggests there are kids trespassing on the site which we've seen before and we're keen to make sure these buildings are secured and possibly reused in the future."