A firefighter has relived the moment he approached a blaze at a block of flats in Dumbarton a week on from the dramatic rescue.
Incident Commander Kenneth Reed said his priority was to get trapped residents to “breathe clean air” while crews set up a 13.5 metre ladder to lead them to safety.
The Lennox Herald told last week how the fire broke out at the property in Ashton View in Westcliff shortly after 10.30am with fire service, police and ambulance service rushing to the scene.
Four people suffered smoke inhalation, including a child who was taken to hospital.
Incident Commander Reed said: “As I approached I could see that the fire had taken hold at the front of the building and my priority was to encourage two residents at a window to access and breathe clean air as crews at the scene used a ladder to reach them and take them to a place of safety.
“A fire incident can be traumatic and our thoughts are with the community who can be assured that we are here to assist them and provide support to stay safe from fire. I would like to commend my colleagues who displayed professionalism and resilience to protect residents and bring the fire under control and also thank our Scottish Ambulance Service partners.”
Police later confirmed the incident, which left three people needing hospital treatment, wasn’t being treated as suspicious.
A young girl, aged 14, was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to be treated.
Meanwhile a man, 45, and a woman, 49, were transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. Another woman, 31, was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital later.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer (LSO) Joe McKay is urging people to organise a home fire safety self-assessment to make them aware of any potential hazards in their home.
He said: “By just taking a few essential steps to identify potential hazards you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house. If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer guidance.
“Our Make The Call campaign also urges the family, friends, and neighbours of vulnerable people most at risk of fire to get in touch with SFRS on their behalf to request a free Home Fire Safety Visit by calling 0800 0731 999.”
Chief Officer Martin Blunden congratulated those involved and praised the "incredible work by firefighters" at this incident.
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