Fire crews rushed to 5-15 Fraser Avenue at 7.18am last Friday morning to find the stairwell “well alight” from the blaze and although the flames were put out just after 8am, the damage to the property meant that all residents had to leave their homes while repairs were carried out.

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.

“The damage to the building is limited to the stairwell, landings and hallway. The only internal damage to properties is due to smoke.

“We’ve had to power wash the stairwells and make them safe, so we’ve had to switch off the electrics. Due to this, there is currently no lighting to the stairwells or hallways which means that the tenants can’t return to their homes at this time.

“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.

“Affected tenants are still being accommodated in temporary accommodation, or with friends and family, and we will continue to keep them updated of our progress.

“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.” Workers from Scottish Power also attended the blaze to isolate the power supply and two fire crews from Dunfermline remained at the scene to carry out a salvage operation.

Police have been conducting door-to-door enquiries regarding the incident and the fire service returned to Fraser Avenue to check on other stairwells.

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 alarms 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.”