Fatal fireman 'lessons to learn'

Ewan Williamson, 35, died when a floor collapsed

The fire service must "learn the lessons" from a blaze which claimed the life of a firefighter at the weekend, union chiefs have said.

Investigations are under way into the tragedy which killed Ewan Williamson in the early hours of Sunday.

Fire chiefs across the country have joined in the tributes to Mr Williamson, 35, who died as he tackled the fire in Edinburgh's Balmoral bar.

About a dozen firefighters laid a wreath outside the pub on Dalry Road.

Andy Fulton, brigade secretary for the Lothian and Borders Fire Brigades Union, said: "The investigation is about establishing the facts and learning lessons for the future.

This tragic event brings into focus the difficult and often dangerous circumstances our firefighters face in order to protect the public David Wynne Chief Fire Officers Association

"It is not about attributing blame.

"Unfortunately, almost all of the advances in public and firefighter safety have been as a consequence of such a tragedy.

"We must and will learn the lessons from this incident."

The investigation is being carried out by Lothian and Borders Police, the fire service and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "Inquiries to establish the cause of the fire are at a very early stage, and we will have to wait until the building is made safe before we gain access to the scene.

"At this time we would appeal for anyone who was in Dalry Road area from about 2330 BST, and who may have information, to call police as a matter of urgency.

"Similarly, we are interested in speaking to anyone who was within the Balmoral Bar on Saturday night to get in touch with us."

'Tight-knit community'

About 70 firefighters and 16 appliances were sent to the bar in the west end of the capital after the fire broke out.

Mr Williamson died when a floor inside the pub collapsed as he battled to contain the flames. More than 20 people were rescued from the flats above the pub.

Another fireman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with smoke inhalation, and was released after treatment.

David Wynne, chairman of the Chief Fire Officers Association Scotland, said: "The Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland is a tight-knit community and our members stand ready to offer support and assistance to our colleagues in Lothian and Borders.

"This tragic event brings starkly into focus the difficult and often dangerous circumstances our firefighters face in order to protect the public."