Residents evacuated after Kirkcaldy fire

RESIDENTS in a block of flats in Dunearn Drive, Kirkcaldy have been evacuated to a nearby primary school after a fire.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at a three-storey block of flats at about 7.05pm last night.

Around nine crews from Fife Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under control and a 64-year-old man was taken to hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

The service said the building suffered “extensive damage” and an inquiry into the cause of the fire is under way.

Inspector Jane Combe, from Fife Constabulary, said: “Officers took quick action on their arrival to ensure the safety of the public, evacuating nearby properties and setting up cordons to maintain public safety.”

She added: “Nearby Dunearn Primary School has been set up as an emergency point for those who have been evacuated to gather in. We are working with partners to make arrangements for those affected to be suitably accommodated.”

Meanwhile, a family of four were rescued from a second-floor tenement flat in Hamilton after smoke from a fire below filled their home in the three-storey building on Roseberry Place just after midnight today.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said there were no injuries and an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the blaze.

Ally Boyle, area commander, said: “Thankfully the early alarm given by the smoke detectors fitted in these dwellings prevented what could have been a tragic event. Once again the importance of having a working smoke alarm in your home has been borne out.”