Cleanup and safety inspections are ongoing in Newington, Edinburgh, after a large fire destroyed at least two local businesses and displayed multiple residents.
On Monday, flames erupted from 11 Summerhall Place and adjacent buildings. The flames were seen coming from the storefront of Franco’s Fish and Chips and spread to nearby Panda Kitchen and potentially parts of The Meadows Pottery.
Upper floor flats were also damaged in the blaze.
Witnesses saw people evacuating from the building, and an Edinburgh Live exclusive reported one man’s evacuation from the building after a morning of relative calm.
On Tuesday morning, witnesses reported that contractual clean up crews were on sight and the road was still cordoned off with police tape.
Police Scotland also confirmed that three people were treated at the scene on Monday for smoke inhalation, but no further injuries were reported.
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Edinburgh City Council said that a contractor was instructed by the council’s Shared Repairs service to carry out essential work inside the chip shop before any make-safe work can proceed, which officials hope will happen tomorrow.
“The road will probably be shut for the next few days until make-safe works are complete, which includes propping the ceilings at basement level and ground floor level. Diversion road signs are to be put in place,” a spokesperson for the Council said.
“Residents may get back in next week however we need to wait until we get access to assess the extent of the damage to the structure first.”
The Council said it will be over to owners to undertake permanent repairs, but added that insurance companies will usually take the lead for owners.
Yesterday, authorities reported three injuries as a result of the fire. However, Scottish Ambulance Service was unable to provide further details about patient status or severity.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to attend an incident yesterday morning on Summerhall Place in Edinburgh. We dispatched two ambulances and our special operations team to the scene.”
Police Scotland said that enquiries are ongoing, but the fire is not believed to be suspicious.
Edinburgh Live also contacted Fire Scotland for updates.
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