FIVE firefighters have been injured during efforts by the fire service to tackle a large blaze at a former department store in Edinburgh. 

Emergency service workers rushed to building on Rose Street, which formerly housed the department store Jenners, at around half 11 on Monday morning. 

After initially sending in two fire appliances the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent a further eight to the scene once they saw the extent of the fire. 

However, the Fire Brigades Union has now confirmed that a total of five firefighters were injured during the incident, including one who is in a "serious" condition in hospital. 

A spokesperson for the FBU said: "FBU is aware of the ongoing incident at Jenners in Edinburgh, and has been made aware of the reports of injuries to firefighters.  

"We can confirm that five firefighters have been treated at the scene or at hospital, one of whom is in a serious condition." 

Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s interim chief officer, said firefighters remained at the scene. 

He said: "The fire at the Jenners building in Edinburgh is a very serious and complex incident and regrettably I can confirm that five of our colleagues have been taken to hospital for treatment and one remains in a critical condition.

“The families of all those affected have been made aware.

“We currently remain at the scene with a total of 11 appliances and other specialist resources in attendance.”

It is expected that the surrounding streets may be closed for several days while structural assessments of the building are undertaken. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “South St David Street and a number of surrounding roads have been closed to traffic and pedestrians following a building fire.

“Please avoid the area if possible and follow directions regarding alternative routes.”