A MAN has died during a blaze which also put his father in hospital.
Michael Chambers was killed after the fire, spotted by a passing police officer, swept through their flat on Restalrig Road in Edinburgh early today (Monday).
The 37-year-old – who was believed to have underlying health problems – was pronounced dead at the scene after medics fought to revive him for nearly 15 minutes.
His father Harvey, 64, was also rescued by fire-fighters and was taken to hospital to be treated for breathing in smoke.
The fire was only reported after a passing police officer noticed smoke coming from the window.
It is not known what started the fire but it is understood the circumstances are not suspicious.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “I saw thick black smoke billowing out from Harvey’s window.
“He was put into an ambulance but his son was lying in the stair with medics round about him – it looked like they were trying to do CPR.
This went on for about 10 or 15 minutes.
“I was woken up not by the smoke but by the lights and sirens of the emergency workers.
“I didn’t even hear a smoke alarm. I don’t know if that maybe had a something to do with the bad outcome because this morning the fire brigade were coming round the doors handing out leaflets on smoke detectors.”
The neighbour also spoke of son Michael’s health problem.
They added: “Harvey was retired and his son lived with him because I think he was ill.”
A Lothian and Borders Fire Service spokeswoman said: “We were called to an incident on Restalrig Road at 03.54am.
“The fire was reported by a passing police officer who spotted smoke coming from the second floor flat.
“There were two casualties – one male aged 64 who was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after suffering smoke inhalation.
“Another male aged 37 was later confirmed as a fatality.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “A 37-year-old man died at the scene and a 64-year-old man has been taken to hospital.
“Investigations are at an early stage to establish the cause of the fire.”
