Firefighter among several injured in Perth flat blaze as 40 people evacuated

A firefighter is one of several injured in a Perth flat blaze, which resulted in 40 people evacuated from their homes.

Emergency services were called to the city’s Scott Street at around 1.50am following reports of a fire which took hold of a four-storey residential building.

Initially, three appliances were dispatched. However, crews found the building “well alight,” so nine more appliances were mobilised to assist.

A total of 12 fire appliances were on the scene dealing with structural collapses at the blaze’s height.

Police have closed Scott Street and South Street, and members of the public have been urged to avoid the area.

Around 40 residents have been evacuated and taken to a respite centre at the nearby Salutation Hotel.

Several casualties were passed into the care of the ambulance service. One firefighter suffered minor injuries due to fallen masonry.

The operation was scaled back to four appliances and one height resource at around 10am.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 1.47am on Saturday, June 14, to reports of a dwelling fire at Scott Street, Perth.

“Operations Control initially mobilised three appliances to the scene, and on arrival, firefighters found the roof well alight on the top floor of a four-storey residential building.

“A further nine appliances were requested to support the incident, and at its height, a total of 12 appliances were in attendance while dealing with structural collapses.

“Around 40 affected residents were evacuated and taken to the Salutation Hotel, which is being used as a respite centre.

“Several casualties were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service, including one firefighter who sustained a minor injury from fallen masonry.

“As of 10am, the incident has been scaled back to four appliances and one height resource. Firefighters remain on scene as they dampen down hotspots”.

Pictures taken from the scene show bright orange flames bursting from the roof of the building above the Royal Bar.

Perth and Kinross-shire MP Pete Wishart said his thoughts are with those impacted by the incident.

He stated: “This has been a horrendous fire in the centre of Perth.

“My thoughts are with those who have been impacted, and I am very much hoping that everybody in the building will be able to evacuate safely.

“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their swift response. They are still at the scene, and road closures remain in place, so members of the public are advised to avoid the area”.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Very concerned to hear of a fire in Scott Street, Perth. Hope everyone is safe”.