A MAJOR blaze at a Kincardine nursing home was brought under control and extinguished last night.

Around 60 firefighters attended the incident at Forth Bay Nursing Home, on Walker Street, after the alarm was raised at 3.19pm.

All residents and staff, as well as residents in surrounding properties, were evacuated before the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent a total of nine fire engines, two height appliances, a command support unit and a fire investigation unit to the scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said that crews had doused the flames using powerful water jets and extinguished the fire by 6pm, but were tackling small pockets of fire and cutting away sections of the interior roof space to ensure there was no further fire spread.

All residents and staff were accounted for but the roof at the east side of the building has been destroyed.

Area manager Roddie Keith, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Incident Commander, said: "I would like to pay tribute to our crews.

"They did a tremendous job in dealing with an extensive fire, ultimately bringing this incident to a swift conclusion.

"I would also like to thank our emergency service partners at Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service as well as the nursing home staff and the local authority.

"I must also acknowledge the people of this community who assisted the nursing home residents by helping to take them to a place of safety. Their care and compassion is to be thoroughly commended."

A statement from Police Scotland last night read: "Police Scotland would like to thank residents and local businesses in the area of Forth Bay Nursing Home, Walker Street, Kincardine who were affected by the fire for their patience and co-operation.

"The area is now returning to normality and residents are free to return to their home addresses. Police and Scottish Fire & Rescue personnel will remain in the area overnight as part of the continuing investigation.

"We would like to thank the staff of the care home, our partner emergency services, Fife Council and the community of Kincardine who assisted with the evacuation and for the excellent aftercare provided to the residents."

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville visited the scene and paid tribute to the community, who turned out in force to help as residents of the care home were moved to overnight accomodation.

She said on social media: "Major fire at Forth Bay Care Home, Kincardine this afternoon. Thankfully all residents and staff are safe.

"An amazing response by the local residents to assist with evacuation and to care for residents and emergency services in the aftermath. All care home residents now relocated to new accommodation.

"I've had the opportunity to help out at the Community Centre this afternoon/evening. Many volunteers still out with soup stations for the firefighters. Impressive response from emergency services and Fife Council officers on site."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.