DOZENS of families are to be rehomed, and a four-storey building has been earmarked for demolition following a fatal fire in Perth.
Emergency services were called to the city’s Scott Street at around 1.50am on Saturday after officers patrolling the area spotted the fire.
A total of 12 fire appliances were called to the scene to deal with structural collapses at the height of the blaze.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment.
Perth and Kinross Council said it is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire, according to Sky News.
The local authority added it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected.
Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable.
He said: “As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.”
The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion.
Councillor Drysdale added: “But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.”
The British Red Cross said it is supporting the families who were evacuated and that volunteers are providing clothing, hygiene items and other items to those who need it whilst unable to access their belongings or homes.
The charity also provided cash assistance, signposting and sourced beds for the rest centre.
Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead for Crisis Response, said the charity's volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk following the distressing incident.
She said: “It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance.
“The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place.
“Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.”
A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety.
The restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area.
“Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out.
“We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.”
