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BLAZE HORROR
Firefighter fighting for life and four others injured in huge fire at Edinburgh Jenners store
FIVE firefighters have been injured in a MASSIVE fire that broke out at the iconic Jenners building on Edinburgh's Princes Street.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene on Monday morning with up to 40 firefighters from 11 fire engines currently tackling the raging inferno.
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Shoppers and tourists watched on in horror as fire crews worked to bring the fire under control.
A video posted to social media shows the iconic building, which was a shopping hub and now a popular tourist destination, engulfed in flames as thick with dark smoke billowing out into the street.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
But the Fire Brigade Union has confirmed that FIVE firefighters have been injured as a result of the blaze.
One of the injured firefighters is described to be in a "critical condition" and is currently in hospital.
A spokesperson for the FBU said: "The FBU is aware of the ongoing incident at Jenners in Edinburgh, and has been made aware of the reports of injuries to firefighters.
"We can confirm that five firefighters have been treated at the scene or at hospital, one of whom is in a serious condition.
"Can we ask that out of respect for the families and the crews involved that any requests for information are kept to a minimum and made through the recognised channels."
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Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Interim Chief Officer, 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.”
The incident is still ongoing.
Lothian buses have announced a number of bus diversions at North St David Street and South St David Street.
It said: "Due to a road closure buses are unable to serve George Street and South St David Street and are instead diverted via George Street, Frederick Street and Princes Street heading northbound until further notice."
Buses affected include the number 5, 45, 49, 100, 7, 10, 11, and 14.
The building housed Jenners for over 100 years before its closure in May 2020.
It is currently undergoing a four-year, multi-million pound renovation backed by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen to turn it into a new hotel and leisure facility.
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."
Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack reacted to the news that a firefighter has been critically injured in the blaze.
He said: "The thoughts of the union's members, officers, and leadership, are very much with this firefighter, his family, friends and colleagues."
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The Fire Brigades Union will provide whatever support is required in the days, weeks, and months ahead."
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