Boy, 11, praised for spotting fire in block of flats and raising the alarm
Mum says outcome could have been very different
Last updated 29th May 2023
An 11-year-old boy's being praised after spotting a fire at a block of flats in Galashiels and raising the alarm - giving residents time to evacuate.
Emergency services were called out to the blaze in a communal stairwell in the town's Galabank Street as residents were settling in for the night.
But Anastazcia Johnstone, who lives on the ground floor, fears lives could have been put at risk had her quick-thinking son, Hunter, not been so alert.
"It's honestly terrifying," she said, "as there's a gas main outside that door.
"Thankfully my 11-year-old spotted it in time, as it could've been much worse.
"He'd heard a crackling noise and his nose got the better of him. He quickly came in and was so calm telling me there was a fire.
"We called the fire brigade at 9.15pm and they arrived at like 9.17pm.
'It's honestly terrifying, as there's a gas main outside that door. Multiple lives could've been put at major risk'
"We're so grateful that all our neighbours are safe. I've lived in the area for 12 years and never experienced something this scary ever."
But she added: "My five-year-old is now too scared to walk through the flats."
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The drama unfolded in the residential area - not far from the town's fire station - on Wednesday (May 24th).
Children's bikes and scooters can be seen close to where the fire took hold.
It's understood another resident, John Brotherston, helped extinguish it and raised the alarm by shouting in the flat. He also took it upon himself to clean the stair-well of the smoke damage.
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Anastazcia said: "If Hunter hadn't spotted the fire when he did it could've had a very different outcome. Whoever did this needs a shake, especially when multiple lives could've been put at major risk."
And she added: "If anyone did see anything, or has heard anything through the grapevine, please contact the police."
Locals have praised Hunter for his actions.
One said: "Huge well done to Hunter for spotting it before it spread any further." Another added: "Well done to Hunter as that could’ve been way worse."
While the damage done to the building is described as "minimal", police say it caused "a considerable amount of inconvenience".
Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Constable Ashley Black, from Police Scotland, said: “Fortunately no-one was injured and damage was minimal. There was, however, a considerable amount of inconvenience for those living in the flats who had to leave their homes while the fire was put out.
“The fire is being treated as wilful and anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has door-bell footage that could assist with our ongoing enquiries is asked to get in touch with us.”
Anyone who can help should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4112 of Wednesday, May 24th, 2023.