**Man Dies and Young Girl Injured as Blaze Engulfs Perth City Centre Building**
A devastating fire that broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning has left one man dead and an eight-year-old girl hospitalised in the centre of Perth, Scotland. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Scott Street and South Street, also resulted in a 27-year-old man requiring hospital treatment, while dozens more were forced to evacuate nearby homes.
Emergency services responded promptly after police officers, who were patrolling the area, reported discovering the blaze at approximately 1:50am. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) quickly despatched resources, deploying a significant number of crew to the scene in an attempt to control what swiftly became an extensive fire.
Authorities confirmed that around 40 people were evacuated from surrounding buildings as a safety precaution while twelve fire appliances tackled the flames. Amongst the emergency responders, two firefighters sustained injuries, with one of them being struck by falling masonry during their efforts to bring the blaze under control. Five casualties in total, including the child and both injured firefighters, received care from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The fire, which tore through the upper levels of a four-storey residential block, significantly damaged the building’s structure as its roof became engulfed. While the operation has since been scaled back, two appliances and a height vehicle have remained on site to monitor and dampen down any remaining hotspots.
In light of the seriousness of the situation, Police Scotland has implemented temporary airspace restrictions covering central Perth, prohibiting the use of drones until 1pm on Wednesday, 18 June. The measure has been introduced for both public safety and security reasons whilst investigations are ongoing. Local authorities have also continued to enforce road closures around Scott Street and South Street as forensic and fire officials examine the scene.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, who oversees policing for the Tayside division, extended her sympathies to all individuals affected by the tragedy. Russell highlighted that investigations are still at an early phase, but stressed the collaborative work being undertaken between Police Scotland and the SFRS to determine the circumstances that led to the blaze. She reminded members of the public to respect cordons and to avoid travelling through the affected area for now.
The incident has prompted a response from First Minister John Swinney, who also serves as the MSP for Perthshire North. Swinney publicly expressed his condolences to the relatives of the deceased man and voiced concern for those receiving hospital care. He commended the dedication of the emergency services in managing what he referred to as a “major incident.”
Andy Girrity, deputy assistant chief officer at the SFRS, described the fight against the fire as extremely challenging due to the rapid spread and substantial structural collapse. He confirmed that the fire crews’ presence at the scene would be maintained for some time as they continue to suppress smaller flare-ups and ensure the complete safety of the area.
Members of the public have been advised to comply with ongoing restrictions and to stay updated through official channels as the situation evolves. Authorities reiterated that anyone intending to fly drones in or around Perth city centre during the restriction period should be aware that it is a criminal offence to do so.
As the joint investigation progresses, further updates are expected to clarify both the cause and the full impact of the tragedy. The local community and city officials have expressed deep shock at the devastating events, offering support to those directly affected during this difficult time.