Fire-damaged school gym will remain shut until new term starts

Pupils had to leave on two occasions when fire broke out

Fire-damaged gym facilities at Perth High School will remain closed until the new term, education chiefs have confirmed.

Pupils twice had to be evacuated last week after a blaze broke out in the PE block, sending smoke billowing through corridors.

Three male pupils were initially detained in connection with the incident and the police have confirmed that two have since been charged and referred to the Youth Justice Assessor.

School authorities have been assessing the damage caused by the fire, which began within a gym equipment storage cupboard.

Firefighters had to tear down internal walls to ensure the fire was fully out, meaning that the repairs needed are extensive.

They are already under way but alternative facilities will be used during the remainder of term and during the summer months.

Perth and Kinross Council said the closure would not affect physical education classes.

Before the term ends, Scottish Fire and Rescue has been invited to send community fire officers to the school to discuss fire safety with pupils of all ages.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “The works to refurbish the firedamaged gym store at Perth High School have been assessed and are currently under way.

“Physical education classes will remain unaffected as the school has other PE facilities available, including outdoor facilities which are used as a matter of course during the summer months.

“The chief fire officer has arranged for community fire officers to work with the school to raise awareness of the importance of fire safety with the pupils.”

Pupils and staff were swiftly evacuated from the school following last week’s fire, relocated to playing fields and car parks as emergency crews worked.

Firefighters found a storage area ablaze, fed by burning gym equipment and swiftly extinguished the fire.

Within minutes of returning to their desks, however, fire alarms sounded for a second time as school safety systems were set off by drifting smoke.

Though the repairs are being undertaken, the Perth High building is currently awaiting replacement.

The council has committed millions of pounds towards creating a new school.

The replacement is part of a wider overhaul of the region’s school estate.

The chief fire officer has arranged for community fire officers to work with the school to raise awareness of the importance of fire safety with the pupils

Repairs are being carried out at Perth High School, which is in line to be replaced.