Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at around 1.50am, when patrolling officers spotted flames engulfing a four-storey residential building at the corner of Scott Street and South Street. Firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly to find the building “well alight,” prompting the deployment of 12 fire appliances at the height of the incident due to the severity of the fire and structural collapses.

Despite the efforts of emergency crews, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals, a 27-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl, were taken to hospital for treatment. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, including one who was struck by falling masonry.

Approximately 40 residents were evacuated from the affected building and neighbouring properties and were relocated to a respite centre at the nearby Salutation Hotel. Perth & Kinross Council, alongside the Health and Social Care Partnership and social work teams, have been providing displaced residents with food, clothing, emergency supplies, and temporary accommodation. Items such as medication, toiletries, baby formula, and even a new pram were distributed, with support bolstered by the British Red Cross and donations from local businesses and charities.

Perth & Kinross Council deputy leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and praised the emergency services and community response: “Our brave firefighters put their lives at risk to rescue occupants and tackle the blaze. The support from staff, volunteers, and local businesses has been truly heartening during this tragic event.”

First Minister John Swinney, also MSP for Perthshire North, offered his sympathies via social media: “Terribly sorry to hear of the death of a man in the fire in Scott Street, Perth… This is a major incident and I am thankful to the emergency services.”

A joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is now underway to determine the cause of the fire. As a precaution, temporary airspace restrictions, including for drone use, are in place over the area until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety reasons.

Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell of Police Scotland urged the public to avoid the area: “Our thoughts are with all those affected… A police cordon remains in place, and investigations are ongoing.”

Scott Street and South Street remain closed to both pedestrians and traffic, with diversions and signage in place. Emergency services will continue operations at the scene in the coming days.

Perth and Kinross Council has pledged ongoing support to affected residents as the city begins to recover from one of its most serious recent incidents.