Panicked neighbours could only watch on as new build properties in their Renfrewshire estate were engulfed in flames on Friday evening.
Fire crews raced to the scene at Merchiston Oval, in Brookfield as the fire destroyed two homes still in the middle of construction.
Terrifying footage captured at the time shows the houses ravaged in the blaze with smoke billowing throughout the neighbourhood.
It's understood to have caused £500,000 of damage to the unoccupied homes.
Residents of the Weirs Wynd estate beside Johnstone have told how firefighters dealt with the incident "promptly" after the emergency call was made around 7.20pm.
One local who lives in Merchiston Oval told Renfrewshire Live : "It was pretty scary. You could see the fire ripping through they houses with more and more flames appearing through the scaffolding.
"You could probably see the smoke for miles as it just seemed to be getting bigger and bigger at first.
"It's just a good thing nobody was hurt and they new builds aren't occupied yet, but it was still a terrible thing to see."
Another explained how neighbours rushed out their homes to see what had happened. She added: "I had just walked into the living room and fire engines began speeding past the window with their sirens.
"I looked out and could see the smoke and went out after. Everybody looked pretty shocked. I think we were all just worrying who was living nearby.
"Within about an hour it was just some smoke and a few fire trucks parked on the street. You could see them hosing what was left from the fire from the roof. They must've been very prompt at dealing with it all."
Some neighbours could see the inferno from their gardens and driveways as they feared of it spreading to other properties and surrounding fences.
Fire crews were seen dealing with the incident at the construction site where scaffolding remains in place for the homes still being built.
They also taped off nearby Barrochan Lane with water pipes spotted trailing up the street to where the incident took place.
Other nearby residents took to social media to comment on what happened.
One local said: "Definitely a godsend that no-one was hurt", while another agreed, saying: "Thank goodness it was one of the houses that aren’t inhabited yet."
A third resident stated: "The fire brigade also need our thanks for tackling the fire and it makes us appreciate the amazing job they do.
"We are upset for the people who are due to move into the houses but thankful that no-one was hurt."
Police launched an investigation on Friday evening over an alleged deliberate fire.
They have since confirmed two youths have been charged in connection with the matter.
A spokesperson from the force said: "Two boys, aged 13 and 14, have been charged in connection with wilful fire raising at two properties in Brookfield, Johnstone.
"The incident happened around 7.20pm on Friday, 6 May, 2022, at Merchiston Oval.
"They will be reported to the Children’s Reporter."
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