A firefighter is in a 'critical condition' after tackling a blaze at Jenners in Edinburgh with four other colleagues rushed to hospital for treatment.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 11.29am on Monday, January 23 to reports of a commercial building fire at Rose Street, Edinburgh.
Crews remain in attendance with 11 appliances still at the scene of the iconic department store building. However, Police Scotland said the fire was now under control. An investigation into the cause of the fire is "continuing".
Startling images have been shared of brave firefighters going into thick black smoke before they disappear. While one firefighter comes stumbling out of the building and is helped by colleagues, with their uniform visibly black from the fire at Jenners.
Ross Haggart is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Interim Chief Officer.
He said: "The fire at the Jenners building in Edinburgh is a very serious and complex incident and regrettably I can confirm that five of our colleagues have been taken to hospital for treatment and one remains in a critical condition.
“The families of all those affected have been made aware.
“We currently remain at the scene with a total of 11 appliances and other specialist resources in attendance.”
Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack added: "The thoughts of the union's members, officers and leadership are very much with this firefighter, his family, friends and colleagues.
"The Fire Brigades Union will provide whatever support is required in the days, weeks, and months ahead."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.35 am on Monday, 23 January, 2023, police attended to assist Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following a fire at an unused building on South St David Street at Rose Street and Princes Street, Edinburgh.
“The fire is now under control. There is no wider risk to the public and emergency services remain at the scene.
“Five firefighters have been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
"There have been no further reports of injury at this time. Three commercial properties nearby were evacuated as a precaution.
“A number of roads in the area have been closed as a result, including one lane eastbound on Princes Street and the east end of George Street.
“Enquiries into the cause of the fire are continuing."
In an update at 7pm, SFRS said that four firefighters have now been discharged from hospital, however, one remains in a critical condition.
The public have been encouraged to give to a firefighter charity to help those who bravely risk their lives to attend emergencies.
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