Restaurant blaze leads to flat evacuation

Following a fire in a Glasgow restaurant, situated right below their flat, a family with a young child had to be rescued by firefighters.

The evacuation proved to be successful as the fire crews swiftly answered the call and attended the scene at the top floor flat at about 11pm on Tuesday night.

This was a necessary measure after a fire had been started in the Steak and Cherry restaurant in Sauchiehall Street.

It is believed that the blaze may have originated from the kitchen of the premises and 11 fire engines and about 70 firefighters were needed to extinguish the flames.

The rescue operation was carried out by the fire crews using ladders to bring the two men, two women and young child down to safety. They were then taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary as a precautionary measure.

A Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said:

“On arrival the crews were faced with a rapidly developing fire involving the restaurant itself and spreading to occupied residential tenement flats above.

“Due to the construction of these property types, hidden fire spread via enclosed voids and spaces, are notoriously difficult and dangerous for crew to tackle.”

As well as the flat above the restaurant, other premises were also evacuated due to the incident.