Firefighter Barry Martin has died after he suffered injuries while working to put out a blaze at Edinburgh's Jenners building. The 38-year-old from Fife was one of five firefighters to be injured in the city centre fire.
Mr Martin was based in Edinburgh and was sent to tackle the fire at the former department store on Monday. He was injured and had been in a critical condition at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Police Scotland confirmed his death today (Friday, January 27). He is the first Scottish firefighter to die while on duty since Ewa Williamson in 2009.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said his death was "dreadfully sad news". She said: “This is a terrible tragedy for all who loved him – but also a reminder of the selfless courage our firefighters demonstrate in the line of duty each and every day,” she said.
Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s interim chief officer, said he and his colleagues were “devastated” by Mr Martin's death. He added: “I speak for the entire service when I say that we are all devastated by the loss of Barry and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues at this deeply distressing time.
“Both Barry’s family and the service have been overwhelmed with the messages of support we have received and we thank everyone for the time they have taken to share these. Barry’s family would also like to thank all the medical staff who have cared for him.”
Mr Martin was described as a “dedicated firefighter and a well-loved member of the firefighting community” by Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union.
A total of 22 fire appliances were sent to the scene of the fire, on Rose Street, and more than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze. It started at around 11.30am.
Witnesses in the area saw a soot-covered firefighter being helped from the building by colleagues. A total of six emergency service workers were taken to hospital because of the fire - five firefighters and a police officer. Of those, two of the firefighters were treated for burns while two firefighters and the police officer were treated for smoke inhalation.
Superintendent David Robertson of Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Barry at this very difficult time. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
