A third blaze at a Perth tower block has sparked calls for a safety review.
Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle a burning skip at the foot of flats in Pomarium Street, on the edge of the city centre.
The alarm was raised on Sunday night, just two weeks after a major blaze at a nearby bin store which forced about 30 residents to flee their homes.
Video of the aftermath of this fire is above this article.
A smaller basement blaze happened about two months earlier.
None of the fires are being treated as suspicious, but residents at the 11-storey block say they are concerned by their growing frequency.
It is understand the most recent case, which happened just after 5.30pm, was caused by a discarded cigarette thrown down a rubbish chute.
One first floor tenant said: “We were evacuated during the last fire just before Christmas, and it was absolutely terrifying.
“We came out of the house and we couldn’t see anything for smoke. We had to wait until the firefighters cleared the way, so we could be led out.”
He said: “It’s very concerning that there’s been another fire so soon after. We’ve been told that there’s nothing suspicious, but I’m not convinced. You see a lot of people hanging out around the bin enclosure after dark.”
Residents who spoke to The Courier following this weekend’s incident called for Perth and Kinross Council to review safety facilities and ensure all was being done to prevent future fires.
Perth city centre councillor Pete Barrett said two fires over festive season was a concern. “The incidents serve as a warning for residents to take extreme care when disposing of cigarette litter, particularly when refuse containers are full of paper waste,” he said.
“I am seeking reassurances that there is no evidence that the fires were started deliberately. To date, there is nothing to indicate they were suspicious or were started maliciously.”
The Lib Dem councillor added: “The council is also ensuring that communal areas are clear of combustible material and items which could impede the safe evacuation of the building.
“Again, it is reassuring that these will be reinforced this week.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said five appliances were called to Sunday evening’s blaze. Crews spent about half an hour tackling the fire.
