Firefighter Barry Martin dies after tackling Jenners department store blaze

Tributes have been paid to a fireman who has died four days after he was seriously injured tackling a blaze at the former Jenners department store in central Edinburgh.

The death of Barry Martin, 38, was announced with “profound sadness” by Ross Haggart, the interim chief officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who said that Martin’s family and all his colleagues were devastated by his loss.

He is the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who was injured in Edinburgh in 2009.

Haggart said: “Barry passed away following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh. [He] had been in a critical condition since Monday’s fire.”

Martin was one of five firefighters treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after the blaze which broke out at about 11.30am, apparently in the lower north side of the former store, near its Rose Street entrance.

Two of his colleagues were treated for burns and two for smoke inhalation. They, along with a policeman who was treated for smoke inhalation, were discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.

Haggart reflected a deep sense of shock among Martin’s firefighting colleagues. He said: “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.”

The former store has been undergoing a four-year restoration project to create a boutique hotel in the upper levels, with a mixture of shops and cafes below

DAN BARKER/PA

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said his heart went out to Martin’s family. He said: “Barry was dedicated firefighter and a well-loved member of the firefighting community. We are very proud he was a member of our union. Like so many firefighters, he put himself at risk to save the lives of others.”

Nicola Sturgeon described the death as a terrible tragedy and sent condolences to Martin’s friends, family and colleagues.

The first minister tweeted: “This is dreadfully sad news . . . 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.”

Cammy Day, the leader of Edinburgh city council said: “I’m incredibly sad to hear about the death of firefighter Barry Martin. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Ten fire engines, including a high reach, were mobilised after the commercial building went up in flames and more than 100 firefighters worked in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control, with police and ambulance services also in attendance.

Police Scotland say the cause of the fire is still unknown and their inquiries are continuing.

Founded in 1838, the Jenners building was one of the oldest department stores in the world, though the original was destroyed by fire in the 1890s. Its six-storey late Victorian replacement became one of Edinburgh’s most famous buildings.

It has been undergoing a four-year restoration project, backed by the Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, creating a boutique hotel in the upper levels, with a mixture of shops and cafes at the lower levels.

Scotland’s community safety minister described Martin as a brave and courageous firefighter. Elena Whitham said she was devastated to hear to hear of his death.

“We’re 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,” Whitham added. “Their sheer bravery and professionalism is second to none and must be commended.”