First Minister vists Pollokshields fire scene

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's descibring a blaze which has caused the partial collapse of a tenement block on the south side of Glasgow as "a dark day for Pollokshields."

Residents were evacuated as firefighters worked through the night tackling a blaze in a tenement building which later collapsed.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the Strawberry and Spice Garden grocery in Albert Drive, Glasgow, at around 11.30pm on Sunday.

Nine fire engines and two height appliances were sent to tackle the blaze, which was so severe it caused the building to collapse.

Roads in the area were closed as emergency services dealt with the incident in the Pollokshields area of the city.

Residents were evacuated from the flats above the shop as fire crews tackled the blaze, and one man was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her support to those affected by the blaze, which is in her constituency.

She said: "Dreadful news for affected residents and businesses in Pollokshields - any constituents who need assistance, please email or call my office.''

Six fire engines and two height appliances were still at the scene on Monday morning, along with police.

Nearby Pollokshields Early Years Centre was shut because it had no electricity following the blaze while Pollokshields Primary School was also closed.

Scottish Water tweeted that as fire hydrants were in use, this was causing low pressure and discoloured water to the surrounding streets.''

Glasgow City Council said that arts venue Tramway was made available to anyone who needed somewhere to go during the incident.

Inspector Mags Brennan, who is leading the police response, said: "While we appreciate the disruption to the local community, road closures are in place for safety reasons and will remain there for the foreseeable.

"While our partners are confident that there are no casualties, a joint investigation into the cause of the fire is underway with the fire service and further updates will be provided when available."

SFRS Incident Commander, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer James McNeil, said: "This has undoubtedly been a challenging and protracted incident that required considerable resources to meet.

"Firstly, I would like to thank our crews for their efforts – working in difficult conditions throughout the night – in bringing this fire under control.

"I would also like to thank the community for their patience and support throughout the incident, and recognise the hard work put in by our partners, other emergency services and the local authority.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to work alongside our Police Scotland colleagues to establish the full facts and circumstances of the fire."

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: "A rest centre is still in operation at Tramway where residents are being offered assistance and advice from our staff, and we will continue to liaise with the emergency services.

"Our building control officers are on site. Pollokshields Primary School and Pollokshields Early Years Centre are closed today and the staff will keep families updated with information.

"Firefighters are now involved in an extensive dampening down operation, which is expected to last throughout Monday November 11.''

Police said that investigations into the blaze were continuing.

A police spokesman said: "The building, which included flats above, has collapsed.

"Officers remain at the scene. Roads in the surrounding area have been closed, local diversions in place.

"Enquiries are continuing."

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• Glasgow
• albert drive fire
• Scottish Fire and Rescue