A firefighter who was injured while tackling a fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh has died.
Barry Martin, 38, had been taken to hospital following the call-out to the blaze at the building on the capital’s Rose Street on Monday.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance, where he died on Friday.
With profound sadness we can confirm that Firefighter Barry Martin has passed away following the serious injuries sustained during a large fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh.
Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart has issued this statement: https://t.co/lzsWyjwvk9 pic.twitter.com/hjbIvdFie2
— Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (@fire_scot) January 27, 2023
Four other firefighters were also taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment and were subsequently released.
A police officer was treated for smoke inhalation at hospital and was later released.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Interim Chief Officer, Ross Haggart, said: “It is with profound sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, that Barry Martin has passed away this afternoon following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh.
“Barry, who was being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, had been in a critical condition since Monday’s fire.
“I speak for the entire Service when I say that we are all devastated by the loss of Barry and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues at this deeply distressing time.
“Both Barry’s family and the Service have been overwhelmed with the messages of support we have received and we thank everyone for the time they have taken to share these.
“Barry’s family would also like to thank all the medical staff who have cared for him.
“I would now ask that we all allow Barry’s family, friends and colleagues to grieve in private.”
Superintendent David Robertson, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division, said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Barry at this very difficult time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed that Firefighter Barry Martin has passed away following serious injuries sustained at a fire in the Jenners Building in Edinburgh on Monday 23rd January.
A statement from our General Secretary @MattWrack. pic.twitter.com/9IPtBOSh4a
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) January 27, 2023
Martin is the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who lost his life while tackling a fire at Edinburgh’s Balmoral bar in 2009.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is dreadfully sad news. My deepest condolences go to Barry’s family, friends and colleagues. This is a terrible tragedy for all who loved him – but also a reminder of the selfless courage our firefighters demonstrate in the line of duty each and every day.”
Health secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Just the most awful news. My thoughts and condolences to Barry Martin’s loved ones and the whole @fire_scot
family who will be grieving the loss of their friend and colleague.
“A thank you to all of our emergency service workers who often confront danger to keep us safe.”
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