Edinburgh fire crews rush to primary school as blaze engulfs playground

Robyn Bell

21 June 2024 at 7:03 am·2-min read

A primary school had to shut its doors to pupils on Friday, June 21 following a fire the night before.

Dalry Primary School had to close to pupils for the day after a picnic table became engulfed in the playground, which was against a storage shed resulting in smoke damage.

The school informed parents via text and email on Friday. The headteacher explained that while there was no 'fire damage' to the school, there was 'smoke damage' to a classroom.

The email from the headteacher states: "Due to a fire in the school grounds late last night the school and nursery will be closed to all pupils this morning.

"Although there is no fire damage to the school there is significant smoke damage which requires a deep clean in several areas within the building which has been recommended by the fire service."

"We will continue to update you when we can."

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A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call at 10.30pm. A picnic table was alight in the playground which was against a storage shed.

"The fire did not spread to the school building but a classroom had to be vented due to smoke."

Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “Following a fire on the grounds of Dalry Primary School yesterday evening, we’ve had to take the decision to close the school today. This is to ensure the well-being of colleagues and pupils.

“I’d like to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for their work in securing the school and extinguishing the fire. Police Scotland are now also investigating the incident.

“We’ll be keeping parents, carers and colleagues updated on the situation going forward.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 11.20pm on Thursday, 20 June, 2024 we were called to a report of a fire in premises on Cathcart Crescent, Edinburgh.

"Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

"The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.”

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