Scottish Borders Housing Association issues advice to tenants following fire at flats in Galashiels
'The smoke was thick and I felt the heat and knew there was a fire in the flat'
Last updated 31st May 2023
People living in flats are being reminded to keep stairwells clear of obstructions.
As well as being a fire hazard, Scottish Borders Housing Association warns discarded items of furniture and rubbish can produce toxic smoke and make it more difficult for emergency services to respond.
It's issuing the advice after a fire in a stairwell at Galabank Street in Galashiels last week.
Local resident John Brotherstone extinguished the blaze after an 11-year-old neighbour helped raise the alarm - and then helped clean up smoke damage, along with his 13-year-old daughter and her friend, afterwards.
Recalling the drama, which happened around 9.15pm last Wednesday, John told us: "I could smell smoke and initially thought it was in my house. When it became apparent it wasn't I opened my front door. The smoke was thick and I felt the heat and knew there was a fire in the flat, so started shouting 'fire' to let everyone else in the flat know.
"I told my wife to phone the emergency services then grab my daughter and dog and get out the flat. I wandered into the flat to see if anyone was trapped and noticed the fire was at the entrance door of the flat and that it wasn't that bad, so ran back into my property to fill buckets of water.
"I took a bucket, and my daughter filled another while I went downstairs. Two buckets put the fire out, but the door frame had also caught fire so it was starting to spread when I got down there."
READ MORE: Freedom of Information request reveals how many people are waiting for a new home in the Borders
While damage done to the building is described as "minimal" - thanks to the actions of the residents - 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.
Meanwhile, it's not officially due to open until the summer. But Eildon Housing Association has revealed the first residents have moved in to its new extra care housing development at the former High School site in Kelso.
The family of oystercatchers have already welcomed the arrival of two chicks with another on the way.
Do you have a story about a hero in your life you'd like to share on the radio? Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk