Five rescued from Perth flats following 'severe' fire
Firefighters have rescued five people from a block of flats in Perth following a 'severe' fire in a stairwell.
Sixteen people had to be moved to temporary accommodation while fire crews battled to prevent the blaze spreading to the roof of the building.
One woman received a precautionary check-up from ambulance paramedics at the scene but she did not need hospital treatment.
Emergency services were called to the fire, which involved items stored within a drying area of the four-storey block in the city’s South Street, at around 3:15am Thursday 5 May.
Residents of all but one of the properties have since been able to return home.
Station Manager Brian Robertson said: “This incident highlights the dangers associated with leaving combustible materials in common stairwells and drying areas.
"We actively campaign to strongly discourage people from leaving these items within drying rooms and near doors and stairwells as escape routes can be compromised.
“On this occasion fire crews were required to lead residents to a place of safety after they were unable to make their own escape out of the building.
"There is no doubt this fire escalated due to the fact that these combustible materials had been stored within the drying room area.”
He added: "Our message to the public is clear – don't store combustible items within communal areas or allow rubbish to block escape routes.
"Make sure wheelie bins or sacks are not placed against your home, under windows or next to gas or electric boxes as fire and smoke can quickly spread to buildings.
"This fire had the potential to be even more serious given the amount of combustible material in the staircase and drying areas."
A joint investigation has been launched involving officers from Police Scotland and the SFRS Fire Investigation Unit.