The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Farm blaze Probe launched after two-day fire at equestrian centre.
Police and fire service working together to investigate ‘unexplained’ fire
A joint investigation has been launched into a fire at an equestrian centre in Perthshire that burned for more than 48 hours causing major damage to outbuildings at the farm.
Firefighters were still in attendance at Netherton Farm, near Abernethy, yesterday afternoon after the blaze first broke out at the stables on Friday at around 11.28am.
Crews continued to tackle the blaze over the course of two nights, remaining at the scene to dampen down hotspots and assess the buildings.
Yesterday, a spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service told The Courier one appliance remained at the scene and they would be carrying out a joint investigation into the cause of the blaze with Police Scotland and other agencies.
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed the joint investigation was ongoing but admitted the cause of the fire was still “unexplained”.
Four appliances, including two with high-reach capabilities, rushed to the equestrian centre on Friday as the blaze took hold of outbuildings on the Perthshire farm. Smoke drifting from the blaze at Netherton Equestrian Centre also caused visibility issues for drivers on the A912 between Bridge of Earn and Aberargie.
Police officers had to implement a series of traffic management measures as firefighters continued to tackle the blaze, with SFRS reporting two appliances at the site by Saturday afternoon.
None of the horses which are kept at the stables are believed to have been injured in the fire and they were moved to a nearby field for their protection.
Almond and Earn SNP councillor Henry Anderson said: “I am so glad that it appears that no one was injured, or the horses.
“I spoke to people in the area and they said no one had been hurt but the horses did appear to be quite agitated.”
He added: “That was my main concern. It is also quite a terrible thing for the business.”
The equestrian centre is run by the Wilkie family and features indoor and outdoor riding areas, as well as a livery yard.