Celtic Supporters Club fireplace as main blaze forces buying centre to shut
A huge blaze ripped through the Celtic Supporters Club in Ayrshire, forcing the Rivergate Shopping Centre to close and sparking a major emergency response with six fire engines
A major blaze has heavily damaged a Celtic supporters club (Image: East Ayrshire Cooncil / Facebook)
A massive fire has torn through a Celtic Supporters Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, leading to the closure of a neighbouring shopping centre and triggering a substantial emergency response.
The blaze erupted at the former Forum shopping centre on West Road in Irvine. The mostly unoccpuied building is connected to the Rivergate Shopping Centre, which remains shut this morning as a consequence.
The Irvine No1 Celtic Supporters Club also forms part of The Forum structure.
The alert was sounded at approximately 11.30pm on Monday (February 2) prompting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to rush to the location, reports the Daily Record.
Six fire engines and two high reach vehicles were initially dispatched to tackle the flames.
Fire crews have since confirmed that the operation to put out the blaze has been reduced to three appliances from 8am this morning (February 3).
A spokesperson revealed the fire is still active but has diminished considerably since last night.
Striking images captured at the scene show flames ravaging the Supporters Club roof, which appears to have been torn apart.
Firefighters remain at the location and residents have been urged to stay away from the area.
Nobody is thought to have been injured in the incident.
A local resident told the Record: “Some people were worried it was a gas explosion but were reassured it was ok. We debated whether it was deliberate, too. We were more worried on how they were going to get in and control fire or the big mall would be affected.”
The shopping centre issued an update, stating: “There is currently no access through the Rivergate and all stores will remain closed at the moment.
“With the exception of the Asda and outside Greggs unit, who will be able to open as normal. If you usually walk through the centre to reach the train station or nearby offices, please find an alternative route this morning.
“Emergency services are on-site and the centre will reopen when it is safe to do so. We thank you for your patience and cooperation. We will provide an update as soon as we have more information regarding reopening.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported: “We received the first call at 23:34 last night which came in as a building fire at the Celtic supporters club. We mobilised two appliances which was increased to six appliances and two high reach appliances.
“We have since scaled back to three appliances and a watching brief has been taking place since 8am. No casualties have been reported.”
Police Scotland has also been approached for a statement.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
