Dozens of families are to be rehomed and a four-storey building demolished following a fatal fire in Perth.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency crews were called to the blaze on the corner of Scott Street and South Street during the early hours of Saturday.
An eight-year-old girl and 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment, while two firefighters also received medical attention after sustaining injuries.
Perth and Kinross Council told Sky News the local authority is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire.
Pic: Momchil Ivanov/PA
Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable.
The councillor said: “As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.”
The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion.
Councillor Drysdale added: “But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.”
Pic: Momchil Ivanov/PA
A number of neighbours in surrounding properties have also been asked to vacate during the building works to ensure their safety.
The council said it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected.
While it is expected some householders will be able to move back into their homes after 16 weeks once the building is brought down to a safe height, others who live in an adjacent block will have to be rehoused for the entire duration of the works.
Others who live further away from the fire site but are still inside the cordon will be allowed back into their homes “soon”, according to the council.
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Pedestrian and traffic access to parts of Scott Street and South Street will also be closed off during the works, which the council accepts will cause “significant disruption” in the city centre.
The local authority said buses will be re-routed, with temporary stops put in place. It has also pledged to support businesses affected by the road closures.
Councillor Drysdale added: “The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity.
“It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need.
“We would appreciate everyone’s ongoing cooperation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation.”
Meantime, a joint investigation launched by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues.
A temporary airspace restriction – which includes drones – has been implemented across the area until 1pm on Wednesday.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside, said enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.
She added: “We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents, and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us.”
