A devastating fire tore through a barber shop and the flat above in the town of Annan on Saturday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to bring the blaze under control, battling the flames with determination and precision.
The emergency services were alerted at exactly 6.22pm, and fire crews rushed to the scene on High Street. The response was swift, with teams arriving promptly to tackle the growing inferno. The intensity of the fire required significant resources, and at its peak, four fire engines were deployed to the site to manage the situation.
Zana Ako, the owner of the barber shop, was left heartbroken by the incident. The 34-year-old, who had invested his life savings into the business, described the moment he arrived to see his shop engulfed in flames. “It was devastating to stand outside and see the inferno,” he said. “The firefighters didn’t allow me to get close. The shop has suffered significant damage – nothing in it was spared by the flames.”
Zana, who has owned the shop for two years, shared the emotional toll the fire has taken on him and his family. “All my life savings went into the business, and now I am left with nothing. It’s hard to decide the next course of action,” he admitted. Despite the setback, he is already looking for a new property in the hope of reopening his business as soon as possible.
The fire has also created significant challenges for Zana’s family. “My partner and I have two kids aged eight and eight months. I have to work, but currently, I have no workspace,” he explained. The shock of the incident is still fresh, and Zana remains unsure of how the fire started. “I am still in a state of shock, clueless about how the fire was started. The situation is horrifying.”
Firefighters remained at the scene for an astonishing 13 hours, finally leaving at 8am on Sunday. Their efforts were supported by Police Scotland, who assisted with traffic management and the evacuation of nearby properties. A spokesperson for the police said: “We received reports of a fire outbreak at premises on the High Street, Annan, around 6.30pm on Saturday, 10th February 2024. Emergency services were on the scene, and our officers helped the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with the management of vehicular traffic.”
Two residential properties and one business premises were evacuated as a precaution, but residents have since been allowed to return. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, though they have ruled out deliberate fire-starting for now.
As the community of Annan comes to terms with the incident, Zana’s resilience shines through. Despite the overwhelming loss, he remains determined to rebuild his business and provide for his family. The road ahead may be challenging, but his resolve to start anew is a testament to his strength in the face of adversity.
