Dramatic video shows flames bursting out of manhole on pavement in Edinburgh

A dramatic video has emerged of an underground electrical fire causing flames to burst out of a manhole in Edinburgh.
The fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary FoxThe fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary Fox
The fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary Fox

The fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street.

Two fire service appliances were sent to the scene and the flames were extinguished before Scottish Power took over the scene.

Read More
Audacious heist sees five top-of-the-range cars worth £200,000 stolen from Edinb...
The fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary FoxThe fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary Fox
The fire, which happened just after 9am today (Thursday), started underground on Gorgie Road at the junction with Smithfield Street. PIC: Gary Fox
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A loud crackling noise can be heard on the video coming from the fire.

A cordon was in place while fire crews dealt with the blaze.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We were called by numerous members of the public at 8.06am on Thurday, August 8 to a fire coming from a manhole outside number 225 Gorgie Road.

"We sent two appliances from Sighthill fire station and placed a cordon around the fire and lifted the manhole cover. Electric cable under the ground was alight and Scottish Power took over the scene, which we left at 9.58am."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Scottish Power spokesperson said: "We were called to Gorgie Road just after 8.30am on Thursday.

"An underground cable fault has led to a fire breaking out, which affected around 180 customers in the area.

"There are still around 30 customers affected but we are working to fix the problem.

"We apologise for any inconvienience caused."