The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Firefighters battle blaze at block of flats in city centre
Man taken to hospital and area taped off
A man was treated for smoke inhalation after a blaze at a block of flats in Perth city centre.
Fire crews were scrambled to the first floor property on Princes Street yesterday morning.
They wore protective gear and breathing masks as the fought flames using a hose reel jet inside the smokefilled property.
The kitchen of the flat, where the fire started, was left extensively damaged.
Firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to neighbouring properties, including a row of shops on the ground floor and a listed building next door.
Locals said that plumes of white smoke could be seen coming from the flat, which overlooks Greyfriar’s Cemetery.
One resident said: “I was still in bed when I heard sirens coming up the street.
“There was a lot of smoke coming from the back of the flats. It looked really serious.”
The man, believed to be the occupant of the flat, was checked by paramedics in the street before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
His condition is not known, but it is understood he was not seriously affected.
A fire service spokesman said two appliances were called to the scene just before 8.30am.
“The crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet,” he said. “Once the fire was extinguished, they made sure the flat was well ventilated and secure before packing up.”
The area was taped off between Canal Street and Victoria Street for about an hour.
One neighbour said: “The building looks fine from the front, but you can see the damage from the graveyard.
“It looks like the kitchen has been left black with smoke.
“I really hope the poor guy makes a full recovery.”