Cat dies in blaze as Edinburgh family forced to flee burning home just weeks before Christmas

Danielle Young, 28, and sons Oliver, ten, Niall, seven, and five-year-old Charlie were forced to flee the property as smoke enveloped their home in Ransome Gardens shortly after 5am.

Unfortunately their cat, Tigger, died despite Danielle’s best attempts to rescue the family pet from the billowing black smoke.

The fire is believed to have started in the boys bedroom and is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.

All of their toys, clothes and precious valuables were destroyed in the fire but the family is said to be thankful to be alive.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said that eight people were treated at the scene of the incident - with one pregnant neighbour taken to hospital for check-ups.

It is also understood that the young boys are in a state of shock having been treated with oxygen shortly after escaping the blaze.

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 5.47am on Friday, December 11 to reports of a house fire in Edinburgh.

“Operations Control mobilised four appliances to the scene at Ransome Gardens, where firefighters were met by a fire within a first floor flat.

“Crews extinguished the fire and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene.

“Eight casualties were treated at the scene by paramedics with one being taken to hospital for further treatment.”

A video has been shared by the family of the damage caused in the hope that it will help to raise awareness of the serious impact that house fires can have.

In the video, the walls are covered in black soot and several items can be seen to have been damaged by the heat. It is understood that the fire was so intense that it melted the fire alarms in several rooms.

Danielle, who works with the NHS, close friends, Jane Bremner and Shannon Ronaldson, have set up a Crowdfunding page with a target of £750 to help support the family.

On the Crowdfunder, they said: “After what has already been a horrible year, this has been a devastating end to it. We know everyone is struggling financially this year but if you can spare any small donations to help rebuild a family home and give the kids a Christmas they deserve, this would be greatly appreciated.”

Jane added: “I am absolutely devastated for my best friend Danielle and her three beautiful boys. I can’t comprehend what they must have gone through this morning waking up to a fire in their home. This is a horrific end to a horrible year. We hope that through the just giving page we will be able support rebuilding their home and give the boys a Christmas they deserve.”

Friends of the family have also said that Edinburgh City Council were quick in responding to the urgent need for housing.

If you would like to support the family during this difficult time then please follow this link.

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