30 Nov 2011
Residents near the scene of a major fire at a funeral service building in Glasgow have been allowed back home following an evacuation.
The fire broke out at the former Co-Operative Funeral Service building in Morrison Street, on the south bank of the Clyde, but no casualties were reported.
The blaze near the city centre was described as “challenging” by the Chief Officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Brian Sweeney. The service used 16 appliances and 80 firefighters to tackle the flames.
Mr Sweeney praised the crews concerned for preventing the fire’s spread around the historic heart of the city.
“I am hugely proud of their courage, determination and skill,” said Mr Sweeney. “This was a very challenging fire in one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings.”
Crews from Govan and Polmadie were called to the fire. Four firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus when entering the building as others worked to contain it from outside.
Copyright Press Association 2011