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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Debbie Hall

Community rallies to support victims left with "nothing but clothes on their back" after massive fire in Livingston last night

People who were left with "nothing but the clothes on their back" following a massive fire in Livingston are being supported by big hearted members of their community.

Emergency services raced to blaze at a clock of flats at Katherine Street in Craigshill after the alarm was raised at around 8.35pm.

Images shared on social media showed plumes of smoke as huge flames could be seen ripping through the building as shocked locals watched on.

Residents were quickly evacuated as firefighters battled the flames.

The Daily Record reported a total of 15 appliances descended onto the scene after the blaze broke out at a ground floor flat.

Other emergency services - including ambulance crews - could be seen in attendance.

It is unclear yet if anyone has been injured as a result of the incident but the fire service remain at the scene working to extinguish the blaze.

Fundraising is already underway to help those affected by Livingston Football Club and The Tower Bar.

The football club said: "Everyone at Livingston FC was saddened to hear of the devastating fire that broke out in Katherine Street, Craigshill last night.

"The severity of the fire means that a number those in the affected buildings have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

"Local bar The Tower are taking in donations of clothing, bedding etc from 11am this morning for anyone who might have some spare tucked away in cupboards to help support those who have very sadly lost all of their belongings. You can find The Tower at The Mall in Craigshill (EH54 5DZ).

"They have also created a JustGiving page to take donations to distribute amongst those affected. You can donate to that here

"Furthermore, we’ll be making a collection point available before Tuesday’s game with St Johnstone for supporters who also wish to donate.

Any donations of clothing, bedding and non-perishable food stuffs will be hugely appreciated and we’ll then make delivery of everything we receive on Wednesday morning. We ask all donations to be bagged up for ease of collection/delivery.

"We’ll have a collection point available to the South end of the West Stand – near to the spiral staircase so if you’d like to donate, please find the donation point there.

"Our thoughts are with all of those affected and hope that the community support on offer can help ease a little of the burden at this horrible time."

Last night Damian Timson, a local Conservative councillor, said he was contacting West Lothian Council to see what help the local authority can offer to anyone affected by the blaze.

He wrote on Facebook: "Aware of fire incident at Katherine St, Craigshill this evening. Do hope all are safe and well.

"If anyone needs support or help, please contact me on here.

"Will be in contact with the Council to see what is needed and what the response is."

This morning a spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were alerted at 8.35pm on Thursday, January 27 to reports of a fire within a ground floor flat of a four story building on Katherine Street, Livingston.

"Operation Control mobilised 15 appliances, three height appliances and specialist resources to the scene.

"Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. Crews remain at the scene."

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