An investigation has been launched after fire crews were called to a huge blaze at an abandoned nightclub in Fife. The inferno broke out at the former Maxwell’s bar on Wellesley Road in Methil at around 2.30 pm on Sunday, May 14.
Nearby homes were evacuated and roads closed as six fire appliances battled to extinguish the blaze. Crews remain at the derelict building after a second fire broke out at the property at around 5 pm.
Pictures from the scene show several fire appliances in attendance and firefighters using hoses to tackle blaze. Flames could also be seen coming from the top of the building, with large clouds of black smoke spotted from several miles away.
The old venue, also known as Rick's, was one of the town's most popular nightlife spots before its closure. There have been no injuries reported following the incident.
It is not yet known what caused the blaze. But Police Scotland have confirmed that they have launched an investigation and are following several positive lines of enquiry.
Inspector Matt Spencer, Levenmouth Community Inspector said: "We received a report of a fire at a derelict building in Wellesley Road, Methil, which happened around 2.30 pm on Sunday, 14 May, 2023.
“The initial fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service however, around 5.30 pm a secondary fire was reported at the same location. As a result, several properties were evacuated, and road closures were put in place.
“At this early stage of the investigation, we are working alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to establish the cause of the fire. We are following several positive enquiries. “
"We are advising the public stay aware from the area whilst our work is ongoing.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 4.48pm on Sunday, 14 May to reports of a derelict building fire in Methil.
"Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances to the town's Wellesley Road, where firefighters remain working to extinguish the fire.
"There are no reported casualties."
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