An investigation has been launched after two fires broke out in a block of flats in Perth city centre within the space of eight hours.
Emergency services were initially called to the property on South Street at 6.50pm on Wednesday.
They attended for a second time when another blaze broke out at around 3.15am on Thursday.
Firefighters rescued five people from the flats following the second blaze, which they described as “severe”.
Sixteen people had to be moved to temporary accommodation while Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews battled to prevent the fire spreading to the roof of the building.
One woman received a precautionary check-up from ambulance paramedics at the scene but she did not need hospital treatment.
The fire involved items stored within a drying area of the four-storey block.
The extent of the heat, smoke and flames caused significant damage, including melted light fittings, charred door facings and power having to be disconnected because of the impact on the electrics.
Station manager Brian Robertson said: “This incident highlights the dangers associated with leaving combustible materials in common stairwells and drying areas.
“We actively campaign to strongly discourage people from leaving these items within drying rooms and near doors and stairwells as escape routes can be compromised.
“On this occasion fire crews were required to lead residents to a place of safety after they were unable to make their own escape out of the building.
“There is no doubt this fire escalated due to the fact that these combustible materials had been stored within the drying room area.”
He warned people to keep stairwells free from debris: “Our message to the public is clear – don’t store combustible items within communal areas or allow rubbish to block escape routes.
“Make sure wheelie bins or sacks are not placed against your home, under windows or next to gas or electric boxes as fire and smoke can quickly spread to buildings.
“This fire had the potential to be even more serious given the amount of combustible material in the staircase and drying areas.”
A joint investigation has been launched involving officers from Police Scotland and the SFRS Fire Investigation Unit.
Residents of all but one of the properties have since been able to return home and SFRS officers have visited homes in the area to offer free home fire safety visits.
