Police appeal for witnesses after housing complex fire

A blaze at a Fife sheltered housing complex may have started in an outside bin.

There have been no indications that the blaze at Dollar Court in Dunfermline, which damaged five homes on Sunday, was started deliberately.

However, local police were said to be keeping an open mind as a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues.

Detective Constable Kris Robertson of Dunfermline CID, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the blaze and are working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish this. We would welcome any information that may assist us with our joint inquiry.

Firefighters were back at Dollar Court yesterday to investigate how the blaze had started.

None of the elderly residents at the Fife Council run sheltered housing were injured.

As council officers assessed the extent of the damage, residents unable to return home were offered temporary accommodation elsewhere.

Paul Short, council service manager for housing, health and social care and older persons, said: “Fortunately no one has been hurt in this incident.

“The early indications are that five properties may have suffered fire damage. The tenants of these units were rehoused last night, either with family or in temporary accommodation.”