Firefighters raced to a Paisley street last night after a derelict block of flats was set alight by firebugs.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent four appliances to tackle the “well established” blaze in Well Street shortly after 10pm following reports from members of the public who could see flames and smoke billowing from the roof of the building.
Fire crews took around two hours to get the fire –which was located on the third floor – under control before leaving around 12.30am once the area had been made safe. No injuries were reported.
One eyewitness told the Paisley Daily Express they were alerted to the fire when they noticed thick black smoke coming through the windows of their home.
They said: “I noticed the smell of smoke coming in my front windows and, after looking out, I noticed a thick blanket of smoke cover Clavering Street and down Well Street where many had gathered to watch the building on the corner burning, just as the sound of fire engines neared.
“The empty building’s back roof was clearly on fire. Though the roof was only partially on fire, it still created so much smoke the public soon moved away due to the stench.”
Police have confirmed the fire was deliberate and have now launched a probe to trace those responsible.
A SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.34pm on Wednesday, June 14 to reports of a dwelling fire on Well Street, Paisley.
“Operations Control mobilised a total of four appliances to the scene, where firefighters were met with a well-established fire on the third floor of a derelict flat block. There were no reported casualties.
“Crews worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene at 12.32am on Thursday, June 15.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.40pm on Wednesday, June 14, officers received a report of a property fire on Well Street, Paisley. The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.”
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