Firefighters rescue three residents from East Kilbride blaze

Dramatic rescue in East Kilbride

At 8.10pm, Operations Control in Johnstone received a number of calls regarding a fire in Chalmers Crescent in East Kilbride.

Two fire appliances from Hamilton Community Fire Station were initially despatched, however following a further call confirming persons were trapped by fire, an appliance from Clarkston Community Fire Station was also despatched.

On arrival at the scene, the crews from Hamilton could see residents on the first floor flat hanging out of the windows. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used ladders to rescue two occupants from the flat and at this point became aware of a further occupant trapped in an adjacent flat. Firefighters then repositioned their ladders in order to rescue this resident.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus then searched the remaining flats to ensure no other residents were trapped.

At the height of the blaze, three appliances with 15 firefighters fought the fire and successfully brought it under control using hose lines. Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Ambulance Service were in attendance and assisted in dealing with cordons and the treatment of the casualties.  All three rescued casualties received treatment from paramedics at the scene with two being removed to hospital by ambulance suffering from moderate smoke inhalation.

Considerable damage to the property has been caused by the fire and some residents will require to be rehoused. Smoke alarms were fitted in these premises and it is without doubt, a contributing factor to saving the lives of those rescued by the fire service.

If you need free fire safety advice, please do not hesitate to contact your local fire station where a free Home Fire Safety Visit will be arranged or complete the form on our website. 

The cause of the blaze is being investigated jointly by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and Strathclyde Police and fire appliances remain in attendance to assist with the investigation