Fire crews rushed to 5-15 Fraser Avenue at 7.18am this morning to find the stairwell “well alight” from the blaze and although the flames were put out just after 8am, the amount of damage to the property means that all the residents will have to be rehoused somewhere else.

Fife Council's housing services senior manager, Alan Russell, said, "A number of households have been affected by the fire which broke out in Fraser Avenue early this morning.

"Although none of the flats were damaged internally, the stairwell has sustained some significant damage and access to the flats is no longer possible. The decision was taken to move the families temporarily until the damage can be repaired.

"Six households have been affected by the fire. Some of the families have chosen to stay with friends or family until they can access their properties again but we have arranged temporary accommodation for three families. We have worked with the tenants to make sure they have been able to take anything they need from their flats and arranged transport for them to get to their temporary accommodation.

"It is not possible to say at the moment how long it will take before they can return to their properties. A full inspection and assessment of the property is required before we can make any time estimates. We should have a cleare picture on Monday."

Workers from Scottish Power also attended the blaze to isolate the power supply and two fire crews from Dunfermline were still at the scene later in the morning to carry out a salvage operation.

Station manager Tom Fox said, “We would urge people not to leave any combustible items in the common stairwells of tenement blocks. Discarded items of furniture and rubbish can produce large amounts of toxic smoke and also impede access for emergency responders.

“You can reduce the risk of fire for yourself and your neighbours by keeping common stairs clear and free from obstruction and making sure main doors are kept locked. Steps should be taken to ensure the door entry/intercom system is working.

“I would like to stress the importance of having a working smoke alarm. Every household should have working smoke alarm and test them every week. We provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required.

“If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, or by contacting their local fire station.”