Investigation into cause of blaze launched
Investigations are under way to determine whether a blaze that tore through a sports pavilion at a Renfrew park was the work of vandals.
Inquiries are still ongoing at the pavilion in Robertson Park, Renfrew, which was destroyed by a fire on Friday.
Plumes of smoke could be seen for miles as the blaze ripped through the single-floor building after 10pm on Friday night.
No one was injured in the fire but emergency services remained at the scene overnight to tackle the flames and secure the area.
A spokesman from the Fire Service said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 22.27pm on Friday to reports of a well-developed fire that had taken hold within the single floor sports pavilion.
“Operations Control mobilised two fire engines from Govan and Paisley and a further two fire trucks were later called for support. Aerial rescue pumps were also used.
“Asbestos was suspected at the location and all the normal procedures were carried out.
“The operation was scaled down at 1am and the last attending fire officers left the scene at 8.30am.”
Investigators are still unable to say what caused the fire and a probe is currently under way to determine whether the incident was caused by wilful fire raising.
A spokeswoman from Police Scotland confirmed: “We are not treating this as wilful as of yet, but we are awaiting the results from the fire service inspection of the scene.”
Speaking out on social media, local politicians said their hearts went out to area.
But they added it was important that the necessary time is taken to get to the bottom of what happened.
Councillor John Shaw initially described escribed the damage caused as “sickening”.
He added: “In the cold light of day it’s a depressing sight.
“I’ve been in contact with Renfrewshire Council officers this morning and they had been in attendance at the site as part of its civil contingency service, which includes building control and Streetscene. ScottishPower had also been in attendance to ensure services were safely disconnected.
“I’ve been informed there is no immediate need to demolish the structure, which I take to mean it is not in a dangerous state.
“It has now been fenced off. Unless there are imminent plans for the remaining structure, we simply cannot have it sitting untouched in the middle of the park and it should be removed asap.”
Gavin Newlands echoed his thoughts, agreeing that a fence would need to be built around the damaged area.
He said: “I went down the see the extent of the damage of the fire at the pavilion in Robertson Park.
“The building is a totally burnt out shell. There will be a fence erected around the pavilion to keep folk out as the council works out plans for the building, which will undoubtedly require it’s demolition,” he said.
Derek Mackay MSP called the incident “very sad” and urged for those who knew anything of how the fire started to contact the police.
He said: “The issue of fire raising in the park, particularly around the pavilion, has been raised with me by several constituents over the past few weeks.
“Concerns have been sent to the Police and Renfrewshire Council to take action, and I know both have been working to increase warden presence in the area as a deterrent.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “Following a fire at Robertson Park pavilion, council staff attended and the site has been secured in agreement with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101.”