Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 09:15
Dozens flee city high rise flats fire drama
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DOZENS of Dunfermline residents fled from their high-rise homes on Thursday night as flames ripped through the building, destroying one home.
Fire broke out on the fifth floor of the red flat block at Broomhead Drive at around 10.30pm, leaving some residents fearful of how they would escape.
Joseph Kay (60), who lives on the 10th floor, said, “I’ve never seen so many police or fire engines.
"It was lucky the flat was empty as if it wasn’t they would have had no chance; the flames were so fierce.”
Mr Kay, who lives alone, said he was worried about how he would get out of the building.
He was also concerned about the safety of friend Alastair Kilpatrick (47), who lives on the sixth floor, directly above where the blaze took place.
Mr Kay said, “I went through to the kitchen and the next thing I knew I could see the flats were on fire.”
He dashed down the stairs as the lifts were out of action.
“I went to see Alastair was okay and the flames were hitting his front door," said Mr Kay, adding that the door was so hot he almost burnt himself.
Mr Kilpatrick, also a Broomhead resident of eight years, said, “I heard people screaming to people.
"I could see the flames through my window. It was quite scary but I just kept the door shut. ”
The fire service received “numerous” calls to attend the fire and two appliances from Dunfermline, one from Rosyth and two from Lochgelly turned out. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to battle the blaze.
Mr Kay said around 95 per cent of red block residents poured into the street to watch the burning inferno but some “slept right through it”.
One female was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics at the scene.
Those in the adjacent fifth-floor flats were evacuated and rehoused in temporary accommodation over the weekend while Fife Council carried out repairs.
Mum Mairi Cluas (24), who lives on the second floor with her tot Abbi (3), said she was frightened for the youngsters who lived near the top of the block.
She said, “I was watching the TV and heard shouting from the green block that there was a fire above.
"I stood out on the balcony. I was worried for those further up, there is a lot of bairns.”
She added, “There are sometimes rubbish fires but nothing like this.”
Police said a 29-year-old man had been charged with wilful fireraising in connection with the incident and would appear in court later this month.
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