The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a statement saying the destruction of the structure of Glasgow School of Art and the majority of its contents due to fire has been prevented.
The statement is as follows:
‘Firefighters battling the blaze at the iconic Mackintosh Building in Glasgow city centre have prevented the destruction of both the structure and the majority of its contents.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews are continuing work to fully extinguish the fire and save artworks.
With the incident under control indications are the firefighters’ efforts have ensured more than 90 per cent of the structure is viable and protected up to 70 per cent of the contents – including many students’ work.
Assistant Chief Officer Dave Boyle, director of service delivery on the west, said: “Crews have been working absolutely flat out throughout this very challenging incident and it is clear their effort and skill has saved this treasured building and many of the items it housed.
“While the priority from the outset was to save life we have also been working closely with Glasgow School of Art staff to ensure firefighters conducted an effective salvage operation.
“We are of course very conscious the Mackintosh is a world renowned building that is a key feature of this great city, and that the artworks it stores are not only valuable but also cherished.
“We are acutely aware this period is the culmination of years of endeavour for students and that their irreplaceable work is inside the Mackintosh.
“Work to save everything that can be saved is ongoing and we will continue to work closely with GSA staff and students throughout this operation.”
More on the Glasgow School of Art fire here
