Below is a briefing from the Council on todays fire on George IV Bridge. I hope the Firefighter makes a full and rapid recovery, but my thoughts are also with those that live and work in the area.
Council Briefing
As you will probably be aware from local media, fire fighters have spent much of today tackling a large blaze on George IV Bridge.
It is believed to have begun in the Patisserie Valerie café early this morning and at least one of the floors in the building has collapsed as a result.
Regrettably, one firefighter from the scene was hospitalised, although we have subsequently been updated that they are okay.
Council officers continue to work closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, along with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, to respond and to minimise any disruption.
Roads officers have put a safety cordon around the affected areas and effected necessary road closures, which are likely to remain in force for the remainder of today and are likely to continue into tomorrow.
The closures are as follows:
- George IV Bridge from junction with Royal Mile to junction with Chambers Street
- Chambers Street to Guthrie Street
- Victoria Street
- Candlemaker Row
- Merchant Street
Unfortunately, the Central Library will remain closed for as long as the cordon is in place.
The Resilience and Communications teams are continuing to liaise with the relevant agencies and Shared Repairs officers are on site to offer structural engineering advice.
There has been no request to open a rest centre and we are advised that the residential lets affected by the cordon have now been reallocated to alternative properties via the lettings agent.
Group Leaders and City Centre Ward Councillors have been kept updated on the incident.
Dr Scott Arthur 
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