By Sam Whyte
THE SEVERE winds battering most of the country caused a raging blaze at a block of flats in Edinburgh.
Emergency services were called to a fire at Cables Wynd House in the city on Tuesday morning.
It is understood a couch on a balcony was alight and spread because of high winds.
Seven fire trucks and 26 fire fighters from six different stations were called to the blaze that was made by the high winds swirling round the building.
Police were also in attendance to secure the area and no one was injured in the incident.
Lothian and Borders Fire Service Group Commander John Hanlin said: “We were called this morning to a fire at 10.15am.
“There were 26 fire fighters in attendance and we had appliances from McDonald Road, Crewe Toll, Toll Cross, Liberton, Sighthill and Livingston.
“The incident was in a 2nd floor flat. No persons were injured thankfully but the flat was badly affected by the fire as well as smoke damage to the adjacent flats and the corridor.
“Due to the high winds and bad weather the fire quickly spread.
“One neighbouring woman was affected by smoke inhalation but was treated and is other wise fine.
“The fire investigation is en route and will take aim to establish a cause.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “We attended from 10.30am and just assisting the fire and rescue service with street cordons.
An incident insider said: “It looks like a sofa caught fire on a balcony outside the kitchen and what with the gusts battering the building it quickly spread.”
