A housing association is hoping to team up with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services for more advanced firefighter training at an abandoned block of flats in Perth before demolishing them this summer.
SFRS has been using the vacant flats on the Fair City’s Newhouse as a training base before Caledonia Housing Association demolish them in a few months time.
Firefighters have been called out the the Letham street frequently in recent years, with notable blazes occuring in 2012 and 2016.
Caledonia have already revamped the flats at the top and bottom of the street as part of a major regeneration project. Now, the group is set to build new units in the central section later this year, after knocking down the cordoned off flats.
However, after being approached by the emergency services team, Caledonia have been delighted to offer use of the central buildings to local firefighters since last summer.
A spokesperson confirmed there were hopes for further opportunities for more advanced training in the five central blocks prior to the upcoming demolition.
Gregor Dow, Red Watch crew manager from Perth Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Many thanks to Caledonia Housing Association for allowing us to carry out this worthwhile training in a realistic environment.
“It’s great to see joint ventures taking place. Close fires are exceptionally difficult to deal with as they effect the main escape route for residents, and more resources are required to effect searches of all flats.
“Even the smallest amount of material left in a close can have life threatening consequences if set on fire”.
Julie Cosgrove, Caledonia Housing Association chief executive, said: “Caledonia are pleased to be continuing work on Phase Two of our Newhouse Road Regeneration, and as the plans finalise in the next few months we look forward to being able to share our plans with the Newhouse Road Community.
“This is an exciting development for Newhouse Road as the demolition will make way for the creation of a wider range of modern homes, suited to the needs of the community.
“We have been so thankful for the support and positive feedback on the work we have completed so far from local residents.
“We’d like to thank them for their patience while we finalise the details of phase two and look forward to sharing the details of our proposed plans in the upcoming months.”
