Full Breakdown
Major Blaze Ravages Former Greenhill Primary School in Coatbridge
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Fire Engulfs Derelict School Building
Around 5:20 pm emergency services were called to Greenhill Primary School on Coltswood Road in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. The historic 1902 building, which closed as an active school in August 2012, was reported to be “well ablaze” with flames shooting from the roof. Images from the scene showed the structure badly damaged. Six Scottish Fire and Rescue crews, supplemented by specialist resources and aerial appliances, were deployed. Glasgow Live noted that seven fire appliances, including two high-reach units, were on scene.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Police Scotland confirmed that parts of West George Street and Coltswood Road were closed to traffic, and residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut. The agency urged the public to avoid the area while crews worked to contain the fire, warning that smoke could affect nearby homes.
Background of the Site
Greenhill Primary School served the Coatbridge community for more than a century before its closure in 2012, when it merged with Drumpark Primary School and moved to a modern campus on Albert Street. The vacant building has remained derelict since then, standing as a local landmark of early-20th-century architecture.
Official Statements & Responses
Police Scotland issued an advisory urging nearby residents to close all windows and doors and to stay clear of West George Street, Stewart Street, and Coltswood Road. A police spokesperson emphasized the need for public cooperation while fire crews tackled the blaze, noting that the deployment of multiple crews and high-reach appliances reflected the fire’s severity.
Verbatim Quotes
“Emergency services are responding to a fire at a derelict building on West George Street , Coatbridge. Please avoid the area. Those nearby should close all windows and doors. West George Street is closed at Stewart Street and Coltswood Road is closed at Inveresk Place.” — Police Scotland