Person dies in Shetland house fire as investigation launched into 'challenging' blaze

A person has died in a “well-developed” house fire at a two-storey property in Shetland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent six fire engines to the scene in the Walls area at around 11.09pm on September 30.

Crews encountered a “well-developed fire within a two-storey dwelling” before they were able to extinguish the blaze.

A person was pronounced dead at the scene.

SFRS said it was a “challenging incident” for firefighters, and an investigation alongside Police Scotland is ongoing.

Scott Gibson, SFRS Area Commander and Local Senior Officer for the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland said: “We were alerted at 11.09pm on Monday, September 30 to reports of a dwelling fire in the Walls area of Shetland.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances to the scene, where firefighters were met by a well-developed fire within a two-storey dwelling.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire and thereafter left the area.

“Sadly, a person was found to have passed away at the scene.

“This was a challenging incident and our thoughts are very much with all of those affected at this sad time.

“A joint investigation between SFRS and Police Scotland is now underway.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.45pm on Monday, September 30, 2024, we were called to a report of a house fire in the Walls area of Shetland.

“Emergency services attended, however one person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire and enquiries are ongoing.”