A MAN who was rescued from a building fire in Pollokshields has said he feared death before his dramatic rescue by hero firefighters. 

Lee Gibson, 48, is recovering in hospital after waking up on Sunday night to discover the fire in the building of his Albert Drive home, reports The Daily Record.

The asbestos removal worker was the only person to be hospitalised after the blaze broke out at The Strawberry and Spice Garden grocery shop at 11.30 pm on Sunday. 

Lee said: "If I was in there another minute, I don't think I would have come out."

READ MORE: Pollokshields community rallies round victims of Albert Street fire

Glasgow Times:

His mum Cass McArthur, 66, added that her son was lucky to be alive following a rescue by fire crews.

She told the newspaper: "Lee was sleeping and woke up with his neighbour banging on the door, saying: "There's a fire, you need to get out.

"All he could see was thick black smoke. He had no shoes or anything on and went to the window to try and get a breath of air but he just kept breathing in smoke.

"When he opened his door he was hit by a wall of smoke.

"He was lying on the floor and couldn't get air by the time they got to him.

"The firemen were shouting, "Hello, where are you from? But he barely had enough oxygen to shout back.

"He's finding it hard to speak about it. His voice is really bad but he said a fireman appeared and just dragged him out. 

"They went in for him because the guy next door told them Lee was definitely still in there."

Glasgow Times:

Lee, who lost everything in the fire, will stay with his mum after he is released from the hospital. 

Cass said: "He's just come off the breathing machine they had him on. His body was trying to get rid of all the smoke he has inhaled. 

"Physically, he is going to be fine but mentally he's had a terrible shock.

"He has lost everything. All of his clothes, belongings, his certificates for work. But at least we still have him. That's the main thing."

Glasgow Times:

Last night, police allowed some displaced residents back into their homes. 

Emergency services, however, still remain at the scene. 

Road closures remain in place around the area, including Forth Street at Albert Drive, Glenapp Street at Albert Drive, Kenmuir Street at Albert Drive, Keir Street at Albert Drive and Maxwell Drive at Kenmuir Street.

Inspector John Menzies said: “Cordons will remain in place until the area is safe.

"Further assessments and updates will be provided when available.

"I would like to thank the public for their patience during this difficult time.”