A Perth care worker has told of his struggles to find housing after a fatal fire in the city left 50 families homeless.
Chira Sirikumara and his family were evacuated from their South Street home after Saturday’s devastating blaze on Scott Street.
Alongside his wife and their two children, aged one and four, he is staying at Premier Inn until they can secure a new home.
The 36-year-old says the past week has been “difficult” and is desperate to find a two-bedroom property.
Chira became aware of the fire in the early hours of Saturday morning and was told to remain in his home.
Family forced out of South Street home
He said: “It was very quiet.
“I didn’t hear much because the fire engines came without horns, just the lights on.
“My friends around the building spotted that and they communicated with us to say there is a fire in front of your house, then we saw a big fire.
“They said don’t come out, just stay inside, you are safe for the moment. We didn’t come out and got the kids to sleep again.”
However, when his wife returned from work on Saturday, police told her it was unsafe and they had to leave.
At around 10pm, Chira packed for two days as instructed. They went to The Salutation Hotel where the respite centre was.
Home unsafe as Scott Street flats to be demolished
The care worker learned on Monday that the fire-hit block of flats needed to be demolished, and it could be up to six months before he can return home.
While Chira says the support from Perth and Kinross Council has been “helpful”, he is struggling to find a property to live in until he can return to South Street.
He said: “Housing officers are trying their best to find accommodation, but it seems there’s a house crisis in Perth.”
Chira, who is from Sri Lanka, moved to Perth from Dundee in October for work.
He says living in a hotel room has been hard with two children. There are no cooking or laundry facilities available.
However, the father-of-two remains hopeful he will be allowed temporary access to turn off electrical appliances, remove perishables and take out the rubbish.
He said: “In the fridge there is food and the garbage is there.
“I need to empty that.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen when we open the house. It’s going to be messy and smelly.”
Call for landlords to help displaced families
Perth and Kinross Council is continuing to seek accommodation providers to help rehouse those left without access to their homes.
A spokesperson said: “We are keeping in touch directly with all residents displaced by the Scott Street fire.
“We are currently working on arrangements for accommodating 55 households in a range of circumstances and would reiterate our call for any private landlords and homeowners to contact us if they are able to help with housing those affected.”
Perth and Kinross Council deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: “The devastating consequences of last weekend’s tragic fire will be felt for months to come.
“Our thoughts remain with those affected, not least the friends and relatives of the man who sadly lost his life in the blaze.
“People who lived at 41 Scott Street lost everything in the blaze. They now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
“Residents and nearby businesses also face being unable to access their homes and premises for weeks or months.
“Whatever we can do to help them, we will.”
An information session will take place at Perth and Kinross Council headquarters on Tuesday June 24 from 1pm to 7pm.
Residents affected by the Scott Street fire will be able to meet officials who can answer questions and provide advice.
Another event for residents with an insurance focus is planned for Friday June 27 from 11am-2pm at the same location.
St Johnstone Football Club has also offered free entry to all emergency service personnel at its match against Raith Rovers in the Premier Sports Cup.
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