Police are treating a fire that tore through a derelict former care home in Forfar as deliberate. The blaze broke out at The Gables on Arbroath Road, prompting an emergency response from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Emergency response to Arbroath Road blaze
The alarm was raised around 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 23, when officers were alerted to the fire at the former council-run residential home. Footage from the scene shows the building being consumed by flames and smoke, with firefighters in full safety gear entering the charred structure.
Residents took to social media to express their concerns. Kirsty Kelly wrote in part: "When will it be knocked down? The roof's unstable, the place is a mess inside apparently and now to add to the chaos it's even more unsafe with this fire tonight."
Community concerns and police appeal
Kelly added: "Strong smell of plastic coming into my house which isn't great for someone who has severe asthma so I could only imagine how bad it was for all the other neighbours that were slightly closer!! This won't be the last time they set it alight either.... until it's burned to the ground! They need to put CCTV in there for the time being."
Catherine Stirton penned: "There is going to be a real accident with that building. The firefighters at risk every time they set it alight. Time to get it knocked down!" Marion Prophet asked: "What next? Someone is going to get seriously hurt before they stop". Gail Thomson added: "I was just out walking the pups... I saw some smoke so rang fire brigade then suddenly the flames went up".
Police statement on wilful fire
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9.25pm on Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 police were called to a report of a fire at a derelict building on Arbroath Road, Forfar. Emergency services attended and enquiries are ongoing. The fire is being treated as wilful and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, crime reference number CR/0430049/26 of Wednesday, 23 September."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.
