Fire crews tackle blaze at Tulliallan Primary

Jamie MacDonald • Published 1 Sep 2010 16:22 0 Comments

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Fire crews at Tulliallan Primary following the fire. (picture by David Robertson)

FOUL play has not been ruled out as Fife Police and Fire Service continue to investigate the cause of a fire at Tulliallan Primary on Monday morning.

The blaze in a wall cavity at the Kincardine school was spotted at around 2.20am by a member of the public.

Although the flames did not appear to cause a great deal of damage to the building asbestos in the walls may have been disturbed and there has been considerable smoke damage.

Police say the exact cause of the fire has yet to be established and a joint police and fire service investigation is on-going.

The school, which has a roll of 170 pupils, will remain closed until the end of the week at the earliest. A meeting will be held on Friday to detail what the plans are for schooling children in the weeks ahead.

If the building is not safe for use after the weekend it is likely other buildings in the village - such as the Community Centre, Church Hall and Police College - will be used to teach the children.

Kincardine councillor Willie Ferguson told the Advertiser, "I believe the fire was contained at the front entrance and janitor's room, although we couldn't get close because the asbestos had been disturbed and was cordoned off.

"The head teacher and staff were hoping if damage was limited to the front end they could get the kids back in soon. We want to accommodate the kids in the community if possible."

Speaking on the possibility of the fire being started deliberately Mr Ferguson said, "It is a popular area for kids to hang about. It is what is described as a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour at community meetings and police have given the area attention. But we can't make any suggestions until we know more."

He added, "Fair play to the emergency services for their response as it could have been far worse.

"It is a very close knit community and the school is brilliant, it's the hub of the community. There will be some disappointment that this has happened to our school."

Fife Fire Service say two appliances along with an aerial ladder platform were sent to deal with the blaze. Confirmation the fire was fully extinguished was received by 9am the same morning.

James McKinstry, Fife Council's education senior manager, said, "As with most buildings of this age, the school does contain asbestos, which will require to be carefully managed in the clean-up operation."

Officers from Fife Council have been on site, working with contractors, to carry out a full assessment of the damage to the building.

Donna Manson, the local authority's Area Education Officer, said the council was keen for children's education to continue as soon as possible.

She added, "We are working with colleagues throughout the council and with our community partners to secure alternative accommodation for the school as fast as possible.

"Everyone in the community at this point is pulling together to make sure that happens and I'd like to thank them all for the hard work they have put in.

"The safety of staff and pupils is paramount and we want to ensure that the building is completely safe before we contemplate returning pupils. We would ask the local community to remain patient while these checks are carried out."

Friday's special assembly to ensure children and parents are aware of the plans for Monday is scheduled for 9.15am in the village's community centre.

Police have appealed for anyone with information on the cause of the blaze to contact them on 0845 600 5702 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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