In Pictures: Police investigating major Old Town car park fire

POLICE are probing the cause of a major blaze that scorched a residential car park in the Old Town shortly after 1pm.

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Fire crews were called to the secure garage below the block of residential and holiday flats in Old Tolbooth Wynd at around 1.10pm.

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The police and the fire service have confirmed a car was on fire however no further details have been released.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze but thick smoke continued to billow out of the garage two hours later. Crews used six breathing apparatus kits to combat the flames in the smoke-logged car park.

A ventilation fan was used to help crews navigate the underground garage.

Eight fire engines, a breathing apparatus unit, a height appliance, a fire investigation unit and a command support unit rushed to the scene.

Three engines were nose to tail in the cobbled wynd with hoses curling around the corner onto Calton Road.

Royal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google MapsRoyal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google Maps
Royal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google Maps

The front of the stuccoed building above the mouth of the garage was blackened by the force of the flames.

A heavy police presence and ambulance crews were also in attendance. An ambulance worker confirmed that no-one was treated as a result of the fire.

It is understood that properties above and adjacent to the garage were searched to make sure everyone was clear but no casualties were reported.

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The narrow street was sealed off at both ends with police tape while Calton Road was cordoned off at New Street and a police officer standing by.

Royal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google MapsRoyal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google Maps
Royal Mile Accommodation circled. Picture; Google Maps

Construction workers on a building site near Old Tolbooth Wynd continued to work as the fire raged on.

Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division and Scottish Fire and Rescue investigation officers were carrying out investigations.

It is not known if the fire is suspicious. Bit it is believed to be the second fire in the car park in 24 hours.

Royal Mile Accommodation, who own some of the flats in the block, told the Evening News that an engineer who was on site fixing the gate to the car park on Thursday morning reported evidence of a small fire.

It was unclear when the fire had been put out or if the two blazes were connected.