Strathclyde battle Glasgow primary school blaze

SHORTLY before 3am, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Operations Control Centre in Johnstone received an emergency call to report a fire in the unoccupied Westercommon Primary School in Glasgow.

On arrival at the scene, crews were faced with a well developed fire with approximately 30% of the building engulfed in flames and large quantities of billowing smoke issuing. The Incident Commander immediately requested additional resources and two Aerial Rescue Pumps were mobilised to the incident. The high reach appliances were used as water towers with additional crews surrounding the property with mains water jets. At the height of the fire, 35 firefighters were in attendance.

Incident Commander Group Commander Eddie Mullen said: “ The crews were faced with a well developed fire from the outset and they worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to prevent the spread of fire to other parts of the building and the neighbouring properties. The fire was quickly contained and is now under control however crews will be on the scene for a considerable time.”

SFR is working together with partner agencies in the utility companies and Building Control to ensure the safety of personnel at the scene and the public in the surrounding area. Scottish Power were in attendance due to the close proximity of power lines however these were not affected by the fire.

A joint investigation will be carried out by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and Strathclyde Police and as yet the cause of the fire is unknown. Local road closures are currently in place in the immediate area