Lessons must be learned from firefighter's death - union » Communities » 24dash.com

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

Investigations were under way into the tragedy which killed Ewan Williamson (pictured) in the early hours of Sunday.

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

Around a dozen firefighters and control room staff laid a wreath outside the pub on the city's 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.

"It is not about attributing blame.

"This is how the fire service keeps improving public and firefighter safety.

"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 police spokesman said today: "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 around 11.30pm, 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."

Around 70 firefighters were sent to the bar in the west end of the capital after the fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Williamson died when a floor inside the bar collapsed as he battled to contain the flames.

Another fireman who was injured was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 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."

A total of 16 fire engines from across Lothian and Borders were sent to the blaze at 12.38am on Sunday.

More than 20 people were rescued from the flats above the pub

Mr Williamson's family yesterday paid tribute to him in a statement issued through the fire service.

They said: "This has come as a horrific shock to the family. Ewan was a wonderful, kind, sporty and outgoing person who was loved by everyone.

"He loved the fire service. We would ask that the public remember members of the service who risk their lives every day."

Mr Williamson is survived by his mother, two sisters, and his girlfriend.