Man killed and 8-year-old girl injured in fire in Perth

A man has been killed in a fire which ripped through a block of flats in Perth.

An 8-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man have also been taken to hospital following the blaze on Scott Street early on Saturday morning.

Two firefighters have also been treated for minor injuries - one had been hit by falling masonry.

A dozen fire engines were sent to the blaze, above the Royal Bar, which was reported at around 1.47am, and crews worked through the night to bring it under control.

Around forty people were evacuated and a rest centre has been set up at the nearby Salutation Hotel.

Members of the public asked to avoid the area

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.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Girrity of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “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.”

Volunteers help out dozens forced to flee their homes

Perth & Kinross Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: “I would like to send sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who has tragically lost his life in this incident. My thoughts are also with all the other people who have been affected by this very serious fire.

“I wish to praise the significant immediate response from all the First Responders and especially our brave firefighters who hurried towards this major fire and put their lives at risk to rescue occupants from the building and tackle the blaze. National resources have been deployed including a dedicated height appliance which has been central to our brave firefighters’ efforts.

“Following the evacuation of all flats in the affected building and neighbouring properties in the early hours of Saturday, a rest centre was set up at the Salutation Hotel. Staff from our Housing Service, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and our social work teams have been in attendance at the hotel since the incident to give any support and practical help that we can.

“Importantly, we are working to make sure that everyone who has been displaced has suitable alternative accommodation in place. People have also been given food, hot drinks, clothes, replacement medication, nappies, baby milk, pay-as-you-go phones, toiletries, toys and help with their pets.

“A large-scale Red Cross team also attended this afternoon to provide further support for anyone that needed it, backing up the Council and HSCP effort through the night and day.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped in the effort to support the householders, including our staff, volunteers and staff at the Salutation Hotel, and we will continue to do all we can to support people affected by the fire. What has been heartening to see at this sad time was the immediate practical support donated by local businesses and charities, from clothing to food and toiletries, and even a brand-new pram for one of the youngest children affected by this incident.

“Finally, I would also like to thank the people of Perth and local businesses for their patience and understanding as some unavoidable disruption continues in the city centre.”

First Minister John Swinney, the MSP for Perthshire North, wrote 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."

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