Tayside Fire and Rescue have confirmed that the storage methods at the Henderson Kerr scrapyard caused Sunday’s devastating fire to spread so quickly to neighbouring houses.
An investigation with Tayside Police has yet to establish the cause of the blaze, which destroyed several properties in Scott Court and left as many as seven families homeless.
It started in a pile of scrap cars topped by a skip full of scrap metal on the north-western side of the complex just yards from a housing block from which 70 residents had to be evacuated.
Firefighters were powerless to stop the flames spreading and questions were immediately raised regarding working practices at the yard.
Its operators met senior firefighters on Tuesday to discuss measures to ensure Sunday’s disastrous events would never be repeated.
Fire brigade community safety head Kenneth Fraser said, “The fire spread so quickly because of the storage system that was used in the scrapyard and the types of materials being stored.
“This provided the fire with the temperatures necessary to develop over a short period of time and to penetrate the adjoining houses and reach the roof of the building.”
Mr Fraser confirmed that the owners of the scrapyard had been co-operating with the fire brigade and were involved in talks as to how to minimise the risk posed by storage methods.
He added that it may be several days before the investigation concludes exactly how the fire had broken out.
“Meetings of the team have been ongoing but the exact cause has yet to be determined,” he said.
The joint investigation is also attempting to trace four boys who may be as young as eight seen heading north from the yard in the direction of Strathmore Avenue shortly after the fire began around 4.45pm on Sunday.
Police believe that the boys, said by an eyewitness to be aged between eight and 11 and wearing tracksuits, used a small footpath that runs along the back of Coldside Library to get away from the scene.£500,000 repairsDetective Constable Simon Murray said it was imperative that anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding the fire comes forward.
He added that officers had examined security camera footage from businesses and carried out door-to-door inquiries in Coldside.
Hillcrest Housing Association, which owns the block of homes damaged by the flames, said yesterday the cost of repairing the properties could amount to more than £500,000.
Some families have been allowed to return home but those left homeless have been forced to spend time in temporary accommodation and some have been told they may not get to go home until next year.
Rab Henderson (44), a storeman at RAF Leuchars, has been staying at the Premier Inn and is waiting for Hillcrest to find him alternative accommodation.
“It’s been hard. I haven’t got any clothes or possessions except the ones I’m wearing,” he said.
However, there was good news for neighbour Tracy Butchart and partner Derek Honeyman.
Tracy’s children Carlie (11) and Kenny (8) have been staying with relatives since Sunday, while she and Derek have also been at the Premier Inn.
Tracy said, “I think our house is just really badly smoke damaged but we’ve been told we can get back in a week on Friday.
“Hillcrest have been really, really helpful and have done all they can.”
Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0300 111 2222.