The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service control room received a call this morning at approximately 4.26 am regarding a fire at Mid Harbour Estate.

Three vehicles were immediately deployed and arrived at the scene within less than five minutes. An extra twelve fire fighters were called in and the whole building was promptly evacuated.

The Care Agency was also quickly involved offering support and shelter to those residents affected by opening the Family Centre at Mid Harbour.

Vehicles from the Royal Gibraltar Police & Gibraltar Ambulance Service were also dispatched.

The fire damage was contained within one flat and did not spread, although several others have received some damage due to water penetration in the extinguishing of the fire.

Government is awaiting a full report from GFRS to determine possible cause and other related matters in relation to the affected tenants.

The Minister for the GFRS, the Hon Leslie Bruzon, said: ‘The professionalism and bravery of our fire service in their dealings with this morning’s fire cannot be understated. We are grateful to all the emergency services for their incredible work.’

The Chief Minster, the Hon Fabian Picardo said ‘The incredible reaction time of the GFRS attending the fire in less than 5 minutes in the early hours of the morning is a reminder of the incredible job they do in keeping our Community safe. They are always there when we need them most. I cannot thank them enough on behalf of all residents of Mid Harbour Estate and their families as well as all of our wider Community.’