A DUMBARTON youngster has been praised by staff at the Meadow Leisure Centre for raising the alarm after she discovered a fire.

Ella Collins, who was at the sports centre to watch her mum Lynsey play netball, stayed calm and informed staff after finding flames and smoke coming from a bin in the ladies toilets.

The seven-year-old’s quick-thinking allowed everyone on the premises to be evacuated promptly and taken to an evacuation point, while the fire service dealt with the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Meadow Centre told the Reporter: “We would like to say a big thank you to Ella. When she raised the alarm, we were able to get everyone evacuated from the centre safely, and the fire was extinguished with no damage other than to the bin.”

Inspector Roddy MacNeill said the fire was accidental and started when something hot was put in the bin and ignited a paper towel.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue service also confirmed they had attended the incident.

A spokesman said: “We received call from an alarm company at 7.15pm on October 9, stating that an automatic fire alarm at the premises had gone off.

“Two appliances were mobilised and upon getting there discovered a small fire in the bin at toilets. It was extinguished and we left at about 7.39pm.”

Those who had been evacuated were able to re-enter the facility later that evening.

Following the incident last Tuesday, the Knoxland primary three pupil gave a full statement to officers describing what had happened.

Ella’s dad Kenny also said he was proud of his daughter for acting so responsibly, although he admitted she probably gets her cool head from her mum.

He added: “She did so well, as soon as she saw the fire, she immediately raised the alarm, so the centre could be evacuated.

“We are both so proud she was able to respond so responsibly. Her mum has worked in sales for a number of years, so she definitely gets her cool and collected approach from her.

“She is potentially responsible for saving lives by raising the alarm so quickly and she was delighted that she made that contribution to everyone involved. If it wasn’t for her brave actions, it could have gotten out of control and who knows.”