Firefighters halt blaze that destroyed shop and neighbouring flats

FIREFIGHTERS halted the spread of a fire that destroyed a shop and four flats in a tenement on Glasgow's south side yesterday.

The residents of the flats were evacuated after the fire broke out in the ground floor shop in Southcroft Street, Govan.

The blaze was reported to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue shortly after 1pm.

Two fire pumps from Pollok Community Fire Station, a pump from Govan and an Aerial Rescue Pump from Cowcaddens were first appliances at the scene.

The incident was quickly upgraded to see eight pumps on the scene after the fire spread up through the upper three floors and into the roof.

At the height of the blaze four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were inside the building, directing four jets at the flames.

The fire was brought under control shortly before 4pm.

Area Commander Garry Milne said:

"The street was very icy so the firefighters had to make sure they had a sure footing outside the building."