A woman has died following a fire at a flat in the Abbeyview area of Dunfermline.
The blaze broke out at 9.30pm on Sunday in the first-floor property in Inchkeith Drive. Emergency services were called and found the woman who has not yet been named but is believed to be a pensioner dead in the flat on their arrival.
It is not known how the fire started. On Monday forensic officers carried out investigations at the flat as police continued their inquiries into the death.
Neighbours expressed their shock at the news. A resident of Trondheim Place, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I saw fire engines, police cars and an ambulance. The police had the area taped off. I never knew someone had died, that’s awful.”
And a tenant from Inchkeith Drive said, “We saw a lot of police activity on Sunday night and they were back here today. A policeman was in the close in the morning and two men in white overalls (forensics) came back in the afternoon.
“It’s a real tragedy you don’t expect this kind of thing to happen.”
It is understood that a resident living below the flat had to be moved to temporary accommodation due to the fire damage.
Detective Sergeant Colin Robson, the police officer leading the investigation, told The Courier, “The body of the victim was found following the attendance of the emergency services around 9.30pm on Sunday. No other person was injured and the cause of the fire is being investigated.
“Inquiries into this as yet unexplained fire are at an early stage and I would take this opportunity to appeal for any person who may be able to assist the investigation to contact the police on 0845 600 5702.”
He said the identity of the victim is being withheld until next of kin have been informed.
A Fife Fire and Rescue spokesman said, “The fire broke out on the first floor of a two-storey property at around 9.30pm on Sunday. Two appliances from Dunfermline attended and fire crew used four breathing apparatus, one hose reel and one main jet.
“Some neighbouring residents were treated for smoke inhalation and given oxygen.”