Firefighters battling to bring the deadly blaze at Cameron House Hotel under control faced extremely difficult circumstances, the incident commander has said.

David McGowan, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Officer, has spoken about the situation faced by fire crews when they arrived at the blaze early this morning which claimed two lives.

The fire chief also passed on the service's deepest condolences to everyone who had been affected by the tragic events.

Mr McGowan said: "At its height, more than 40 firefighters and 12 appliances were mobilised to the scene at Cameron House after the alarm was raised at 6.41am on Monday, December 18.

"Firefighters worked in difficult conditions while wearing breathing apparatus and used high powered hoses to tackle the flames.

“This is deeply distressing news for everyone involved, and our thoughts are with the friends and families of the two individuals who have passed away.

“Our firefighters worked quickly and professionally in extremely difficult circumstances to bring this fire under control and prevent further fire spread - their response has been outstanding and they must be commended for their actions."

In a statement issued at 4.30pm, Mr McGowan said the fire had now been brought under control, however fire crews would remain on scene for some time and their priority now was ensuring the area was made safe.

Earlier, one person was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire and another died later in the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. They have not yet been named.

Three people, two adults and one child, who were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow were released later.

The fire started before seven this morning and 200 guests were hurriedly evacuated as the flames too hold.

The extend of the fire soon became apparent with dramatic pictures emerging on social media of 50ft flames shooting from the roof which was engulfed.

A huge pall of black smoke could be seen from miles.

Lomond councillor Sally Page, Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, and MSPs Jackie Baillie and Maurice Corry were among those expressing horror at the devastating consequences of the fire.

Mr Scott said businesses were already rallying round to offer assistance to the Cameron House management and staff if required.

Ms Baillie said her heart went out to those affected.

She said: “This is absolutely devastating news for the families and loved ones of the two people who died. No words can describe the pain of losing someone in such tragic circumstances, especially at this time of year.

“Cameron House is a beautiful building on the banks of Loch Lomond, a favourite destination for families across the UK and a major employer in my constituency.

"My sincere thanks go to the brave men and women in the emergency services who have been working all morning to save lives and get the fire under control.”

Meanwhile, The Lodge on the Loch at Luss posted on its Facebook page: "Reaching out to our neighbours and all the team at Cameron House this morning, we have been in touch by phone earlier today and we are here to help and support in any way we can.

"Let us know if there is anything at all that we can do in these difficult circumstances. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you all."

A message on the Cameron House website said: "Due to an ongoing incident please be aware that Cameron House will remain closed to arriving guests for at least the next 48 hours.

"We would ask all guests and customers to remain patient as we work with the emergency services to establish the extent of the damage and ascertain when we will be able to re-open."