Flowers and tributes have begun to appear outside of the former Jenners department store building after it was announced that 38-year-old firefighter Barry Martin had lost his life after suffering fatal injuries tackling the blaze.
Residents in Edinburgh left the floral tributes after the news broke that the brave firefighter had lost their life on Friday January 27. Hundreds of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel had rushed to fight the fire at the iconic building after it broke out on Monday 23.
Barry was taken to hospital after experiencing serious injuries but tragically passed away despite the best efforts of medics. Police Scotland have stated that a probe into the cause of the fire is currently ongoing, the Daily Record reports.
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Local politician Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western MSP, has called for Barry to be awarded a posthumous George Cross, the highest non-military award for gallantry available.
The Scottish Lib Dem leader said on Friday evening that: "This is devastating news, thinking tonight of all those who knew and loved Barry. When we run from danger, these guys run towards it. Barry did one of the most dangerous jobs there is.
"He put his life on the line for his colleagues and our city and paid the ultimate price for so doing.vHis family are in our thoughts tonight. He deserves the highest civilian honour there is. He should be awarded the George Cross."
The tributes were visible outside the Jenners building throughout Friday evening with bouquets being placed in the fence that borders the damaged structure. Barry is the first Scottish firefighter to die on duty since 2009.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described his death in the line of duty as “dreadfully sad news”. She added: “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."
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, hailed Barry as a “dedicated firefighter and a well-loved member of the firefighting community". "Like so many firefighters, he put himself at risk to save the lives of others,” he said.
Elena Whitham, minister for community safety, said Scotland was “lucky to have our valued firefighters who every day put their personal safety at risk to protect our communities and save the lives of others” and hailed Barry as a “brave and courageous firefighter”.
Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s interim chief officer, said he and his colleagues were “devastated” at Barry's death. He said: “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."
In all, six emergency workers were taken to hospital during the response to the fire. Two firefighters were treated for burns, and a police officer and two firefighters for smoke inhalation; all have since been discharged.
Superintendent David Robertson of Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Barry at this very difficult time. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Jenners closed as a department store in 2021. The building was being converted into a hotel under plans backed by fashion billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.
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