Police say Fife care home fire was deliberate

Police in Fife say that they believe a fire at an old folks home in the town of Benarty was started deliberately. The alarm was raised at around 3am on Tuesday morning, and officers at the nearby police station saw that an extension – currently under construction – at the rear of the care home was alight.

Fife Fire and Rescue Service arrived and quickly brought the fire under control, ensuring that it did not spread to the occupied section of the care home. None of the occupants of the care home needed to be evacuated.

Detective Constable Amanda Given who is leading the investigation into the fire said: “It would appear from the initial evidence we have gathered that this fire has been started quite deliberately within this brand new extension to Benore Care Home.

“The prompt response by the emergency services has ensured that this fire did not get out of control, however, the consequences for the elderly residents in the home could have been catastrophic had the fire spread.

“I would appeal to any person who has any knowledge of this fire or who may have seen some person behaving suspiciously on Lochleven Road near to the home to come forward. I guarantee that they can speak to us in confidence.”