Fire crews battling blaze at Edinburgh flats as several people 'unaccounted for' and school evacuated

Firefighters say a number of people remain "unaccounted for" after a blaze took hold in the top floor of a block of flats beside a primary school in Edinburgh.

Nine Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews are in attendance at the fire within a property at Craigievar House on Craigmount Brae, in the East Craigs area of the capital. Dramatic footage published by Edinburgh Live shows flames spewing from an opening at the flat as shocked locals look on.

Smoke poured from the building as the emergency services arrived shortly after 3pm on June 14; Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are also in attendance. An SFRS spokesperson told the Record that people have been reported as being unaccounted for on Wednesday afternoon.

The spokesperson said: "We are in attendance at a fire on Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh, after receiving a call at 3.08pm. The fire is in a block of domestic flats, within a top floor flat and the roof space.

"There are a small number of casualties being given oxygen and the ambulance and police services are in attendance. There are persons reported – meaning they are unaccounted for at this time. Nine pumps remain on the scene."

The fire has taken hold in a flat on Craigmount Brae in Edinburgh (Alan Simpson)

Nearby East Craigs Primary School has been evacuated as the emergency response continues. Locals have been advised to keep their windows closed.

Laurie Bamber, a local who witnessed the fire from the nearby pub, said: "The fire looks to be getting worse. There are a lot of people watching it unfold.

"I saw at least four fire engines and at least six or so police cars. It is really shocking to see. They have had to evacuate the school behind the building as the fire seems worse there."

Fire engines on the scene at the fire in East Craigs, Edinburgh (Alan Simpson)

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers are in attendance to assist with traffic management due to a fire at a property on Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh. A school nearby has been evacuated as a precaution.

"People are advised to avoid the area and local residents should keep windows and doors closed."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Read next:

• Police Scotland appoints Jo Farrell as new Chief Constable amid SNP finances investigation

• Operation Branchform costs Police Scotland £500,000 in staff wages

• Police release CCTV images of three men in connection with robbery in Glasgow