Demolition crew to bulldoze Scots flats where man, 27, killed in horror blaze & 50 people evacuated
People living nearby have also been asked to leave their homes as cops plead for information
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DEMOLITION crews are being called in to tear down a building after a horror fire which claimed a man's life and left dozens homeless.
The tragic inferno tore through the building on Scott Street in Perth city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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The building will need to be demolished after the fire
Credit: Dave Johnston
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A man died in the fire which tore through the building in Perth city centre
Credit: PA
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The fire was discovered by cops on a routing patrol on Saturday morning
Credit: PA
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Fire crews were deployed to the scene
Credit: PA
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Engineers said no part of the building is salvageable
Credit: PA
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Dozens of people have been made homeless
Credit: PA
Over 50 residents were evacuated as the flames tore through the building, leaving it badly damaged and destroying several homes.
Tragically, a man was pronounced dead at the scene after the fire.
A 27-year-old man and eight-year-old both had to be taken to hospital for treatment while two firefighters were also injured.
Engineers who were called in to check the building have said the damage from the fire is so severe the building has to be completely demolished.
Several residents are being housed in temporary accommodation with the council urging any private landlords or AirBnb owners with space to get in touch.
Perth and Kinross Deputy Leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who tragically lost their life in this terrible incident, and with all the other people affected.
'Since the fire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Council staff have been on site to ensure the safety of the wider public.
'On Saturday June 14 a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street.
'Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building.
"The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety.
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'Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition. This will be an extremely complex process, and specialist demolition contractor Reigart has been appointed to carry out the task. Preliminary work has already begun on site.
'The building will require careful demolition from the top, down to ground level and this will take some time to complete. It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks, but it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.
'To allow the work to be carried out safely, pedestrian and traffic access to sections of Scott Street and South Street around the site will remain closed.
"We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately this is unavoidable given the situation we face.'
Several people living around the building have also been forced to leave their homes while it is torn down, with some unable to return for more than four months.
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Fire crews at the scene in Perth on Saturday
Credit: Stuart Cowper
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A major probe is underway into the cause of the blaze
Credit: Dave Johnston
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People living nearby have also been forced to leave their homes
Credit: Stuart Cowper
Some living and working nearby will be out of their homes and businesses for up to 16 weeks while others won't be able to return until the building has been demolished.
Others living on the edge of the cordon will be out of their homes for a short period of time.
New temporary bus routes are being brought in and road closures on Scott Street and South Street will be introduced while work is carried out on the dangerous building.
Red Cross volunteers have also been drafted in to support locals whose homes were destroyed in the blaze.
Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross Operations Lead for Crisis Response, 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.
Pub closed for good after blaze
THE Royal Bar was a pub on the ground floor of the building destroyed by the blaze.
Its owners have revealed they will be closing down for good after the news the whole structure will need torn down.
A message on social media thanked their customers for their years of loyalty.
It read: "We at the royal bar can confirm that our beloved pub will be closed for good with the horrendous fire on Saturday morning.
"We wish to say thank you to every single one of you who has walked through the doors of The Royal throughout the years.
"We've had some great times throughout the years with with banter from everyone who has graced the pub.
"We are going to miss you all so much.
"We are all gutted it has come to an end like this.
"Once again we thank you for the support over the years
"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.'
Major probe underway
A major probe is currently underway to find out the cause of the fatal blaze, with cops and fire investigators appealing for anyone with information.
A temporary airspace restriction over the fire scene has been introduced, with people being told they cannot fly drones over Scott Street and South Street until 1pm tomorrow.
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.'
Can you help the families made homeless by this fire?
SEVERAL families have been made homeless by the fire on Scott Street and many others will need accommodation after being forced to evacuate their homes during the demolition.
These people will be provided with alternative suitable housing, as well as any other support they need at this difficult time.
To assist with the rehousing effort, the Council is asking any local landlords or AirBnB owners to get in touch with us if they have accommodation that is currently available.
They can contact our Housing Team by emailing privatesectoraccess@pkc.gov.uk
Councillor Drysdale added: 'The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity. It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need.
'We would appreciate everyone's ongoing co-operation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation.
'We understand that the disruption to the city centre will bring frustrations, but we are committed to completing the work as soon as we can and most importantly, to continue support for the people and businesses who have been directly affected by the fire.
'I would once again like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their continued excellent response to this incident, as well as to the wide range of Council and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who rose to a significant challenge over the weekend to provide all the support and help that they could.
"I also want to pass on my sincere gratitude to the staff at the Salutation Hotel and Red Cross volunteers, who have been superb in working with us to make sure that people affected had the care they needed in the aftermath of the fire.'
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