Police appeal after suspicious fire in centre of Perth
A fire which closed off a street in the centre of Perth on Saturday is being treated as suspicious.
- By Richard Burdge
- Published in the Courier : 13.02.12
- Published online : 13.02.12 @ 08.01am
To enable firefighters to tackle the blaze at 108 Scott Street, the road was closed between the railway bridge and Marshall Place, forcing motorists to avoid the area.
The fire broke out around 2pm in the close of the building and one woman had to be led to safety by firefighters before she was taken to hospital for a check-up.
It was the second fire within a close in Perth in a matter of days, and police are hoping that someone in the area on Saturday afternoon may hold the key to the cause.
A spokesman said: "'It is hoped that anyone who may have been walking in the area of the South Inch, Scott Street or Marshall Place may have witnessed something that can assist police with inquiries. Police are treating the fire as suspicious at this time."
Following another suspicious fire on Thursday, a warning was issued about leaving flammable material in public areas.
The fire in the stairwell of flats in Cairns Place was caused by a pram and blankets left in the close being set alight.
The incident, which was reported at around 7.15pm, meant firefighters had to lead 21 people to safety from their homes.
In the wake of this fire, station manager Neil Kerr said: ''Recently within Perth and across Tayside we have seen a number of serious fires, often attributable to ignition of items left within unsecured common closes and stairwell areas.
''This should serve as a stark reminder to the public of the dangers of fire within their homes and the need to have working and regularly tested smoke alarms fitted.
''Recent incidents have highlighted a significant risk to occupants where items are either left or stored within common stairwells. Experience shows that such items are frequently targeted by fire setters, compromising the safety of residents and resulting in significant damage to the building.''
Anyone with information on either fire should contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 or speak to any officer.
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