A 54-YEAR-old man died in a fire at the warden’s house in Blackfriars Court, Western Road, Montrose, on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the local authority sheltered housing scheme at about 3pm when a smoke alarm was activated.

Firefighter units from Montrose and Brechin entered the house and two men wearing breathing apparatus searched the two-storey building.

The man, who has not yet been named, was located in an upstairs bedroom and taken outside, where attempts by firemen and paramedics to revive him failed.

The fire was confined to the bedroom and quickly extinguished, although there was smoke damage to the rest of the house.

Crew manager Mike Cassie said the firemen from Montrose and Brechin were confronted by thick smoke and intense heat.

Police assured residents of the 23 flats in the scheme that they were in no danger.

A joint investigation by fire and police officers, including forensic scientists, is being carried out. There are no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Cassie said the fire had tragically claimed a life, but the smoke alarm linked directly to a call centre had enabled a rapid response that prevented the blaze spreading.

Anyone with information that may be relevant to the investigation is asked to call the police on 0845 600 5705.