Fire crews tackle 'well-developed' blaze at Liberton Primary in Edinburgh
They were called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon
Last updated 5th Feb 2020
Firefighters have been tackling a 'well-developed' blaze at Liberton Primary School in Edinburgh.
They were called to the site on Gilmerton Road at around 3.30pm on Wednesday February 5.
Eyewitnesses described seeing smoke billowing from the scene and flames tearing through the building, with part of the roof collapsing.
There are no reports of any casualties.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.33pm on Wednesday, February 5 to reports of a fire within a school in Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised a total of nine appliances to the city’s Gilmerton Road, where firefighters were met by a well-developed fire within a ground floor classroom.
“Crews currently remain on the scene working to extinguish the fire.
“There are no reported casualties.”
Edinburgh Council later confirmed the school would remain closed for the rest of the week while the damage is assessed.
Education Convener Cllr Ian Perry said: “The decision to close the school has not been taken lightly however unfortunately this has been a major fire which has caused significant damage to a large part of the school.
“There have been no reported injuries and I want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Council teams for their swift response. We’ll update parents next week regarding contingency arrangements.
“We will work closely with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire.”
Parents will be told about arrangements for pupils after the February half-term break next week.
Police have also asked locals to keep their windows closed as a precaution.
Inspector Scott Casey said: "Officers were alerted to the fire at around 3.37pm this afternoon. There are no reports of any injuries.
"The fire is being tackled by the SFRS and we are assisting with traffic control at this time.
"It is expected that emergency services will be in attendance for most of the night and people are asked to avoid this area where possible."
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