Published: Tuesday, 20th May, 2008 11:25
Breaking news - Residents evacuated from homes after blaze
By Lorna Caitens
Print Article
A Reporter reader captured the blaze at Lomond Court last night
RESIDENTS were evacuated from a Dumbarton high rise last night (Monday) after a blaze broke out.
More than 70 people were forced to leave their homes in Lomond Court, West Bridgend, after the fire started on the 13th floor of the 15-storey block.
The alarm was raised around 7.30pm and fire crews had the blaze under control within the hour.
It is believed that damage to the building’s dry riser caused serious water damage to the mains electricity switch forcing the evacuation.
Fire crews were quickly on the scene to tackle the blaze
Scottish Power attended to shut down the electricity supply and are expected back on site today (Tuesday) to fix the problem.
All 60 flats will be inspected by an electrician once power is restored.
All residents - including 12 vulnerable council clients who were placed in various care establishments in Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch - were evacuated and placed in alternative accommodation overnight.
Most evacuees went to stay with friends and family, but a number were offered B&B accommodation.
No persons were temporarily sheltered in halls or community centres.
One person was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
Iain Robertson, West Dunbartonshire Council leader, told the Reporter: “I’d like to thank the emergency services for their speedy and professional response to this incident.
“Council staff, many of whom were off duty, worked through the night to make sure everyone was accounted for, was accomodated and had their appropriate medication.
“They demonstrated a selfless willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need and they are a credit to themselves and to West Dunbartonshire Council.”
Bill Clark, executive director for Social Work and Health, said: “Last night was a very difficult experience for many of the older people caught up in the emergency.
“Thankfully, no-one was seriously harmed and there was only one person sent to hospital for smoke inhalation and that person made a good recovery.
“The prompt response of many Housing and Social Work staff who came to support vulnerable people meant there was a good team approach.
“The blocks contain many sheltered housing units and the local staff at West Bridgend were able to identify the people who needed most help.
“Twenty-seven vulnerable people were helped to find the right support and accommodation where families and friends couldn’t step in. Social Work and Housing staff co-ordinated the placement work.
“Twelve of the residents were placed in our own care homes and two were transferred to one of our high level support sheltered housing complexes.
“Now the work will go on to follow up on all the people displaced from their houses to plan for their care over the period they have to stay out of their own homes.
“I’d like to offer my own thanks to all the staff who helped out during the night.”
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Bonhill wind farm plans move step closer