Edinburgh fire: Sunday morning blaze sees Telford Drive residents evacuated from two blocks of flats

Residents were evacuated from two blocks of Edinburgh flats early on Sunday morning after a fire broke out at around 4am.

The fire at Telford Drive was reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at 4.05am on Sunday, March 24. The fire was extinguished by four fire engines and a high reach appliance by 10.45am, with two fire crews still at the scene at noon today. No injuries have been reported following the incident.

Firefighters on the scene at Telford Drive this morning, Sunday, March 24. Photo by Cllr Vicky Nicolson. | Cllr Vicky Nicolson

In a social media post, Councillor Vicky Nicolson thanked the crews for their efforts and for "keeping residents safe". She said that residents from 5 and 7 Telford Drive had been evacuated due to the fire.

She added: "I have been on site for a couple of hours this morning and met some local residents. Local people are understandably upset and have had a frightening experience. During the night, Northcare Suites made space available for people displaced by the fire but they are now looking for alternative accommodation.

"I'd like to thank Ewan Davidson from Shared Repairs in City of Edinburgh Council and also our brave Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland for looking after the safety of individuals.

The fire damaged this roof at Telford Drive this morning. Photo by Vicky Nicolson. | Vicky Nicolson

"I'd also like to commend the wonderful community of Telford who are offering to help their neighbours. While I was there someone from a neighbouring flat came to offer tea, coffees and clothing.

"I'm aware there are still some animals in flats and this is, of course, high on the priority of both residents and officials."

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Yet again, we’ve seen our emergency services act swiftly to evacuate residents and safely put this fire out. We’re very grateful for their response.

“My thanks also go to the staff of the nearby Northcare nursing home which kindly opened its doors in the early hours of the morning to provide emergency shelter.

“Our shared repairs team is now working on site to understand the extent of the damage and advise residents on any works needed to make homes safe.

“While most residents have thankfully been able to move back home, a few households remain displaced and we are doing all that we can to support them, providing overnight temporary accommodation tonight / on Sunday night as needed.”