The year has got off to a tragic start in Perth with a fatal early-morning fire at a prominent city centre hotel.
Three people and a dog have been confirmed dead and many others injured in a blaze at New County Hotel in Perth’s County Place.
Here is what we know so far.
What was the emergency response?
A member of staff at the New County Hotel reported the blaze to Scottish Fire and Rescue at 5.02am on Monday, January 2.
Scottish Fire and Rescue mobilised nine fire appliances and set up a command support unit within a cordon. At its height more than 60 fire fighters tackled the fire.
Scottish Ambulance Service was called at 5.50am and sent 21 resources, including its special operations team. Medics were on the scene within seven minutes.
Police Scotland said it was called just before 5.10am and that guests had been evacuated from the hotel.
A major incident was declared.
Perth and Kinross Council said County Place, Hospital Street and New Row were shut and people were asked to avoid the area.
The Tayside trauma team was also dispatched to the scene.
Where did the fire start?
A member of staff says he was sleeping on the second-floor when he raised the alarm.
He said: “I was the one who phoned the fire brigade because I’m the fire marshal at the hotel.
“I knew straight away there was a fire because where the fire was was actually next to the room that I was in and as soon as I came out my door I was hit with smoke so I knew where I was.
“It’s the type of hotel where the fire alarm goes off a lot but 99.9% of the time it’s a false alarm. It’s so easy to go off but obviously this time it was serious.
“I tried to evacuate the guests as much as I could, obviously there was a lot of smoke so I could only do so much.”
It is not known what caused the fire.
Who was in the hotel?
The hotel has 24 rooms and four luxury suites.
Exact figures are not known, but it is estimated that that more than 30 people were staying as guests.
One person posted on Facebook that they were living in the hotel and were awoken by a fire alarm at 5am.
“We are lucky to be ok,” they wrote.
“Have been given emergency accommodation by the council.”
Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated.
What do we know about fatalities and injuries?
At 12.23pm the police stated that three people were confirmed dead at the scene.
They have not yet been identified; however, it is understood they were two women and a man. A dog also died.
Scottish Ambulance Service attended to 14 casualties. Its statement said: “Eleven patients did not require hospitalisation, but sadly three patients died at the scene.”
What has been the local reaction?
One shop worker on South Methven Street, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw emergency services along the road when he arrived at 8.54am.
“When I arrived it seemed to be all out, I didn’t see any smoke and couldn’t smell anything.
“One of our customers came in and said he could still smell the smoke as he lives just up from the hotel.”
Satinder Singh Sidhu, who owns a restaurant, Sidhu’s, on County Place said he may have to cancel bookings tonight.
He said: “Seeing something like that is really sad, hearing that people have died is heart-breaking.
“We’ve not been told anything by police, we don’t know when we’ll get back into the restaurant.”
In 2016, Praveen Kumar experienced a fire at his Indian restaurant, Tabla, on South Street.
Luckily nobody was injured on that occasion.
“The memories came rushing back when I heard the news this morning, but it was nothing like this,” he said.
“This is 100 times worse. It is so sad and such a shock.”
What have the police said?
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said in a statement: “Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.”
Has there been any other public reaction?
John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, tweeted that news of the fire was “heartbreaking”.
Heartbreaking news emerging from #Perth this morning. My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy. https://t.co/06Ri8qUKy6
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) January 2, 2023
He added in a statement: “I am desperately sad to hear the news that there have been fatalities in this morning’s fire at the New County Hotel in Perth.
“I extend my sympathy to everyone affected by this tragedy. I am grateful to the emergency services and to council staff for responding so swiftly to this incident and in assisting those affected.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade issued a statement on behalf of all councillors and staff at the council.
He said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three people who passed away following the fire.
“This tragic incident is not the way any of us would want to see 2023 begin and my heartfelt condolences go to everyone impacted by this fire.”
What happens now?
Police are conducting a joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service “to establish the full circumstances of what has happened”.
Mr Swinney said: “There is now an investigation underway and I would encourage everyone who can assist to help in any way that can.”
By early afternoon an area around the vicinity remained cordoned off with blue tents erected.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s local senior officer for Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee, Jason Sharp, said: “We’re currently still in attendance to make sure the scene is safe.”
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “Enquiries are at an early stage and therefore no further details of those involved will be released at this time.
“We will clearly provide more information to the media when it becomes appropriate and right to do so.”
Members of the public are still asked to avoid the area.
