MORE THAN 30 people had to be evacuated from their homes last night after a fire in a disused Perth building.

Tulloch housing estate was engulfed with smoke after the fire broke out in the Tulloch Works building at 8.02pm.

Such was the density of the smoke that it could clearly be seen from Perth town centre. It was also visible as it drifted towards the west end of the town.

In all, 34 people had to leave their homes in Gorse Lane and Guardsway and move to temporary accommodation in a hotel while the smoke cleared.

A Tayside Fire and Rescue spokesman said the fire measured 30 metres by 30 metres (almost 100ft by 100ft) when it broke out.

He said the firefighters were totally involved in dealing with the building, which was described as being well alight.

Four pumps and an aerial ladder were used, plus a command support unit from Dundee. Two Perth appliances were aided by one from Auchterarder and one from Coupar Angus.

A large crowd watched the proceedings.

The fire spokesman said three jets were used to deal with the smoke.

“We are fighting it externally,” he added. “A lot of residential properties were affected by the smoke so we worked in conjunction with Tayside Police as part of the emergency planning in evacuating people.”

It was not clear how the fire started but a bystander, who wished to remain anonymous, said it may have been started by children. “I noticed a lot of smoke and came out to have a look,” he said. “I believe it was probably caused by children, who may have lit a small fire before it spread.”

The fire service spokes-man said it was too early to say what had caused the fire but an investigation would be carried out.

Police confirmed that they had been liaising with Perth and Kinross Council regarding the evacuation of the tenants.

“The people were moved for respite reasons,” a police spokesperson said. “In total 34 people are involved, but it’s envisaged they will be allowed to return home once all the smoke has cleared.”

However, police later said some of them had to stay at a hotel overnight as a precautionary measure.

Tulloch Works was used as a dyeworks, but latterly has seen private businesses operating there.