Whifflet incident: Fire crews fighting major blaze at high-rise flats as man, 19, arrested
Police said a 19-year-old has been arrested in connection.
Three people have been treated for smoke inhalation after a major blaze which broke out at a block of high-rise flats in Coatbridge on Friday morning, as police confirmed a 19-year-old has been arrested in connection.
A spokesperson said the blaze at Calder Court in Whifflet was reported at about 6:45am. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they deployed 11 fire engines and one height vehicle to the scene.
A police spokesperson has since confirmed that a 19-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
They said three people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Calder Street in Coatbridge has now reopened following the fire.
Earlier today, John Bennett, a resident in the flats, said he was told to stay put while firefighters tackled the blaze on the 14th floor.
He said his fire alarm went off at 7am and there was smoke filling the house and staircase.
At around 10am, he said those on the lower floors where “all ok” but no information had been shared about those higher up.
A police spokesperson said: “Calder Street in Coatbridge has re-opened following a fire at a block of flats which was reported to us around 6.50am on Friday, 19 December, 2025.
“Emergency services attended and three people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
“A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.
“The public and residents are thanked for their patience.”