A devastating fire that tore through a row of cottages in the picturesque Perthshire village of Fortingall in March is believed to have been caused by improperly discarded hot ash, according to a report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). The incident, which occurred on March 21st, prompted a significant emergency response, with nine fire appliances and specialist resources dispatched to the scene.
The SFRS report, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, details the rapid escalation of the fire. It began in a shed behind one of the properties and quickly spread to an adjacent outbuilding, a garage, and a parked car. Tragically, the fire also reached an oil tank, causing an explosion that further fueled the flames and led to the involvement of neighboring homes. Among the damaged properties was Kirkton Cottage, a home where Marion Drummond had resided for 67 years. While the extent of the property damage was significant, thankfully no injuries were reported. Community Support in the Aftermath
The tight-knit community of Fortingall and the surrounding areas rallied around those affected by the fire. A crowdfunding campaign, organized by Stuart McLean, partner of Ms. Drummond’s daughter, garnered widespread support, exceeding its initial goals and demonstrating the strength of local compassion in times of crisis. Mr. McLean expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming generosity, describing himself as “blown away” by the community’s response. The funds will be instrumental in helping Ms. Drummond rebuild her life after losing her long-time home and belongings. Thorough Investigation Rules Out Suspicious Activity
The SFRS investigation concluded that the fire’s origin pointed towards the accidental disposal of hot ash. Witnesses confirmed that the ash had been removed from the house before a chimney sweep arrived at the property. The chimney sweep was the first to discover the fire and attempted to extinguish it with fire extinguishers before the flames became uncontrollable. Due to the clear witness testimonies and evidence gathered at the scene, the SFRS determined that further investigation involving Police Scotland was unnecessary. It’s important to note that the findings within the incident report represent the professional opinion of the attending fire officer, based on the information available at the time. This incident serves as a stark reminder to residents across Perth and Kinross about the potential dangers of improperly discarding hot materials, especially during drier periods. Regularly reviewing fire safety practices within the home can significantly reduce the risks of similar incidents occurring. Local fire stations offer guidance and resources to help residents create and maintain safe environments.
While the physical scars of the fire will remain for some time, the resilience of the Fortingall community shines through. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of community support and preparedness in facing unexpected challenges.
The SFRS report, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, details the rapid escalation of the fire. It began in a shed behind one of the properties and quickly spread to an adjacent outbuilding, a garage, and a parked car. Tragically, the fire also reached an oil tank, causing an explosion that further fueled the flames and led to the involvement of neighboring homes. Among the damaged properties was Kirkton Cottage, a home where Marion Drummond had resided for 67 years. While the extent of the property damage was significant, thankfully no injuries were reported. Community Support in the Aftermath
The tight-knit community of Fortingall and the surrounding areas rallied around those affected by the fire. A crowdfunding campaign, organized by Stuart McLean, partner of Ms. Drummond’s daughter, garnered widespread support, exceeding its initial goals and demonstrating the strength of local compassion in times of crisis. Mr. McLean expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming generosity, describing himself as “blown away” by the community’s response. The funds will be instrumental in helping Ms. Drummond rebuild her life after losing her long-time home and belongings. Thorough Investigation Rules Out Suspicious Activity
The SFRS investigation concluded that the fire’s origin pointed towards the accidental disposal of hot ash. Witnesses confirmed that the ash had been removed from the house before a chimney sweep arrived at the property. The chimney sweep was the first to discover the fire and attempted to extinguish it with fire extinguishers before the flames became uncontrollable. Due to the clear witness testimonies and evidence gathered at the scene, the SFRS determined that further investigation involving Police Scotland was unnecessary. It’s important to note that the findings within the incident report represent the professional opinion of the attending fire officer, based on the information available at the time. This incident serves as a stark reminder to residents across Perth and Kinross about the potential dangers of improperly discarding hot materials, especially during drier periods. Regularly reviewing fire safety practices within the home can significantly reduce the risks of similar incidents occurring. Local fire stations offer guidance and resources to help residents create and maintain safe environments.
While the physical scars of the fire will remain for some time, the resilience of the Fortingall community shines through. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of community support and preparedness in facing unexpected challenges.