Forfar streets were wreathed in smoke as firefighters tackled a “wilful” blaze at The Gables.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 10am on Saturday.
Four fire crews attended The Gables, a former care home on Arbroath Road.
They remained there for most of Saturday.
Forfar fire: ‘Smoke like a thick fog’
The Courier’s Logan Hutchison was at the scene.
He said: “I smelled smoke at around 10.20am and went to investigate.
“When I looked up onto Straing Street and it was coated in smoke like a thick fog.
“I couldn’t believe the amount of smoke.
“There were sirens at around half past and it seems the fire was under control pretty quickly but you could see the smoke from several streets away.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received the call about a fire on Arbroath Road at 10.17am.
“Four appliances are currently in attendance.
“No further comment at this stage.”
Fire crews were called to the Arbroath Road care home back in February after it was deliberately set on fire.
Police appeal launched after ‘wilful’ Forfar fire
Detective Sergeant Colin Watson from Police Scotland said: “This was a reckless act and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
“I would urge anyone who has any information, or who saw anything suspicious in the area, to contact police.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with our inquiries.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1272 of Saturday June 21.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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