Fire crews tackle second major Edinburgh blaze

FIREFIGHTERS have extinguised a blaze that started in the stairwell of an Edinburgh flat, just yards from another major fire that broke out earlier this afternoon.

Fire crews attend the blaze that broke out in a tenement stairwell on Lothian Road. Picture: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Over 20 firefighters attended the blaze which broke out in a four-storey block of flats on the capital’s Lothian Road, above the Hanging Bat bar, just hours after crews dealt with the fire on Castle Street that destroyed part of the roof of TGI Friday’s restaurant.

The incident reportedly broke out just after 4.30pm, with early reports suggesting several people had been trapped by the blaze.

Six firefighters wearing breathing equipment were sent to reassure the residents while the fire was tackled.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that 25 firefighters were on the scene along with four appliances and a turntable ladder.

Some damage was caused to the building but no injuries were reported.

Staff at the Hanging Bat confirmed that the venue had been closed to the public, while major traffic delays were reported in the west end.