A firefighter has died four days after being seriously injured battling a blaze at the historic Jenners building in Edinburgh.
Barry Martin, 38, was seriously injured and remained in critical condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said.
He was one of five firefighters taken to hospital after the Old Department Store burned down on Monday morning.
Two were treated for burns and two for smoke inhalation and have since been released.
Barry Martin, 38, died after being seriously injured and in critical condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
A police officer was taken to the same hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and later released.
At its peak, 22 fire apparatus were dispatched to Rose Street, with more than 100 firefighters battling the blaze which was reported around 11.30am.
Witnesses saw a soot-covered firefighter being helped from the building by co-workers.
A fire apparatus remains on site to help monitor the building for potential hot spots.
At its peak, 22 fire appliances were dispatched to Rose Street, with more than 100 firefighters battling the blaze which was reported around 11.30am.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Ross Haggart said: ‘This was undoubtedly a serious and complex fire.
“Our thoughts are very much with Barry and his family and indeed all of our colleagues who have been hurt responding to this incident.
“Barry is an Edinburgh-based firefighter and we ask everyone to respect his family’s privacy at this time.
“We continue to provide all possible support to our colleagues and their families, as well as to all staff involved.
“We are liaising with the appropriate partners to ensure a full and thorough investigation is undertaken into this incident.”
Mr Martin was one of five firefighters taken to hospital after the Old Department Store burned down on Monday morning
He thanked those caring for Mr Martin and the other victims and commended “our dedicated crews and staff for their professionalism in responding to this difficult incident”.
Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said: ‘The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, together with the survey team, looked into this overnight , so we do not yet know the cause.
“Obviously there was construction going on at the old Jenners building, so we’ll find out in the next few days.”
Mr Day added: ‘I’m sure I’m saying this on behalf of the whole town, our hearts go out to the firefighters who risked their lives to save the building and save the townspeople as well, so our thoughts are with their families today.’
The council will assess the structural integrity of the building, Mr Day said, adding: ‘That’s a question we don’t yet have an answer to.’
Asked about the survival of the building – which has stood on Princes Street since the 19th century – Mr Day could not be definitive.
“That will be the subject of these investigations. Hopefully where we saw the fire yesterday was at the back of the building and hopefully that can be salvaged,’ he said.
Police Scotland said inquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire.
Scotland’s Community Safety Minister Elena Whitham paid tribute to the firefighters who fought the blaze saying: “Their bravery and professionalism are to be commended”.
“Scottish communities are lucky to have our valued firefighters, who are willing to put their personal safety at risk in order to save others. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
