More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene at the former St Mark’s Primary School at 2.13pm and after entering the building with main jets were forced to withdraw due to the intensity of the heat.
Two aerial rescue pumps were called to help contain the blaze which eventually destroyed part of the building and left the rest unsafe, meaning it will now need to be completely demolished.
Strathclyde Police described the fire as “wilful fireraising” and reported that three male youths were at the scene when the fire broke out. Det Sgt Roland Craig urged them to come forward “in order that they can be eliminated from this investigation.”
Roland said in a police statement that “the only description is that one [of the youths] was wearing an orange top and the other a white hooded top.”
2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.