UPDATE: Poundland 'extremely proud' of staff for quick response to fire at Elgin store
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POUNDLAND has said it is "extremely proud" of staff for their quick action following a fire at its Elgin store.
Three members of staff were inside the store just before closing at 6pm when the fire broke out.
They were able to safely escort a customer in a wheelchair to safety while they waited for firefighters to arrive at the scene.
A spokesman for Poundland said: "This evening, just before closing time, colleagues at our Elgin store safely evacuated the premises after a fire broke out.
"We’re extremely proud of them for their quick action and for the rapid attendance of the fire service from Eigin and elsewhere in Moray.
WATCH: video of fire at Poundland in Elgin
"As you will understand, the first priority for the authorities has been to extinguish the fire and stop its spread.
"At this stage we don’t know what caused the incident, but it goes without saying we’ll be working closely with the police and fire brigade as they investigate the cause.
"While we’re grateful no-one has been injured, our first reaction this evening is one of sadness. Our Elgin store is special to us – it’s the only one in the UK we own outright, because of our desire to restore the listed building to its former grandeur.
"When we have more information on the fire we will, of course, share it."
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: "I was shocked to hear about the fire at Poundland, which is in the heart of Elgin’s High Street, and my thoughts are with the staff and customers who were in the store when the fire broke out and who will undoubtedly be very distressed.
“I’m grateful to the fire and rescue service and other emergency responders who have been working to tackle the blaze and to keep the town centre and local residents safe.”
At the height of the fire, around 50 firefighters were at the scene. There were two appliances from Elgin and others from Lossiemouth, Buckie, Keith, Fochabers, Aberlour, Rothes and Nairn. A turntable ladder was also drafted in from Inverness.
Neighbouring business premises were evacuated as a precaution.
