Man dead and girl, eight, injured after fire tears through four-storey building
A man has died and an eight-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after a fire ripped through a four-storey building in Perth.
A 27-year-old man has also been taken to hospital following the fire on the corner of Scott Street and South Street.
Police Scotland said temporary airspace restrictions are in place across Perth City Centre until 1pm on Wednesday “for security and safety”.
The fire was reported by officers on patrol in the area at around 1.50am on Saturday.
A dozen fire crews were sent out to tackle the blaze, with two firefighters being injured, one due to falling masonry.
Nearby buildings were evacuated with around 40 people were forced to leave their homes.
First Minister John Swinney, who is also the MSP for Perthshire North, said on social media: “Terribly sorry to hear of the death of a man in the fire in Scott Street, Perth and I express my sympathy to his family.
“Concerned also for the condition of those who are receiving hospital treatment.
“This is a major incident and I am thankful to the emergency services.”
A joint investigation has now been launched by the police and fire services.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
“Investigations are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
“We are conducting a joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“As part of our investigations a temporary airspace restriction is place in the Scott Street and South Street areas in Perth until 1pm on Wednesday, 18 June, 2025 for security and your safety.
“Restrictions include drones.
“You must check if it is legal to fly in your area.
“Drone users are responsible.
“It is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace.
“A police cordon remains in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.”
Andy Girrity, deputy assistant chief officer at the SFRS, added: “On arrival, firefighters found the roof of a four-storey residential building well alight.
“Initially, three appliances were mobilised, but due to the severity of the blaze and structural collapses, a total of twelve appliances were involved at the height of the incident.
“Five casualties, including one firefighter injured by falling masonry, were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“The incident has now been scaled back, and two appliances and one height vehicle remain on scene to dampen down hotspots.”