TWELVE properties were evacuated as a devastating blaze took hold at a block of flats in Lochgelly.

Fire crews raced to the scene on Francis Street last night (Monday) as flames scorched the building.

The alarm was raised shortly after 7pm with emergency crews from across Fife called to tackle the large fire which could be seen from miles away.

No-one was injured during the incident, but a rest centre was temporarily set-up at Lochgelly Town Hall for those affected.

Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene this morning (Tuesday).

Fife Council told the Times that a full assessment of the building will be carried out today.

Shona Robertson, the council’s emergency resilience manager, stated: “Thankfully everyone was safely evacuated from the 11 council owned and one privately owned flat affected.

“We opened an emergency rest centre managed by emergency centre volunteers at Lochgelly Town Hall to provide shelter and refreshments until alternative accommodation was organised.

“The building standards and public safety team has arranged for temporary fencing to make the area safe and a full assessment of the building will be carried out later today. There are also signed road diversions in the area.

“We will now be making sure those evacuated from their homes receive the support they need.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said; “We were made aware of a building on fire at Francis Street in Lochgelly shortly after 7.20pm on Monday, October 23.

“Some residents were evacuated and no one was injured.

“Police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 7.05pm on Monday, October 23 to reports of a dwelling fire at Francis Street, Lochgelly.

"Operations Control initially mobilised two appliances to the scene and on arrival firefighters increased to seven appliances and two specialist appliances.

"As of Tuesday, October 24 at 9.30am, our firefighters remain on scene working to extinguish the fire affecting the roof of a flat on the top floor of a four-storey property.

"No casualties have been reported and three fire appliances and specialist resources remain in attendance."