Rescue effort sparks artist's unique tribute

He is putting the finishing touches on the colourful Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade logo outside McDonald Road Fire Station today. A professional street artist, he has also worked for Nike, Pearl Jam and Alicia Keys.

Mr Fraser, 39, said he thanked the Lothian crews every day for their bravery. His friends could have died from smoke inhalation in their Montgomery Street flat had fire crews not arrived in time.

Jonathan Prior, an Edinburgh University professor, and his wife Erica, an artist and council worker, had been in their fourth floor flat one evening in March 2008, when they noticed smoke coming under the door. The blaze had started in a first floor kitchen, but smoke quickly filled the stairwell.

Mr Fraser said: "There was no way for them to escape. They just saw the black billowing smoke fill the flat. They were standing on a table at the window, trying to get air. Then the firefighters came and hauled them out.

"If it had been a few minutes later, they might not be here today.

"When Erica and Jonathan told me, one of the first things I wanted to do was thank the fire crews. Every time they step out of their fire engine they could be risking their lives."

Mr Fraser, whose family is originally Scottish, began the artwork during the Festival last summer. But he could not complete it due to the rainy weather, so returned this week. He said he would like to do more street paintings at other fire stations in the city.

It takes him about four or five days to complete the work, which will be weather-resistant. He said he was pleased by the warm welcome, with firefighters offering him lunch and nearby residents popping out with cups of tea.

He said: "It's been a wonderful experience and I've enjoyed talking to passers-by. I hope this is just the start, and I can do more paintings in Edinburgh."

Keith Dargo, the station commander at McDonald Road said they had initially been puzzled by the artwork outside the station. But they were delighted to solve the mystery and welcome Mr Fraser back to complete it.

He said the Montogomery Street fire had been particularly challenging for crews. More than 30 firefighters attended at the height of the blaze, rescuing nine people.

He said: "Everyone did an excellent job in a very difficult situation and I was very proud at the speed with which they got people out of harm's way.

"The crest is a nice reminder of the impact that fires can have on individuals and the appreciation and goodwill that exists for our crews who come to the rescue when things go wrong."