Former Maxwell's nightclub in Methil to be demolished after fire rips through building

A former nightclub in Fife which was destroyed by a fire over the weekend is to be demolished due to safety concerns.

A blaze broke out at the derelict building, which formerly housed Maxwell’s, on Wellesley Road, Methil at around 2.30pm on Sunday.

Police confirmed on Monday morning that an initial report of a fire at a derelict building was received at around 12.30pm on Sunday.

The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), however at around 5.30pm a secondary fire was reported at the same location.

Images shared on social media show the extent of the fire fighting operation, with smoke billowing into the air around the street.

Following the fire, Fife Council’s building standards team was called to inspect the building and the local authority has now confirmed it will be razed.

The remains of the building will be cordoned off and secured until it is demolished.

In a statement on a council-run Facebook page, a spokesperson wrote: “The council is working to deal with the aftermath of a serious fire in Methil last night.

“The fire broke out in a derelict building in Wellesley Road around 5pm (Sunday) and fire services were quickly on the scene to deal with the blaze. The fire is now out, and our building standards team are advising that the building must be demolished for safety reasons. It’s hoped the demolition work will start as quickly as possible in the next few days and in the meantime the building has been cordoned off and secured.

“As a result of the fire, asbestos cement sheeting, which carries a low risk to public health, has been found in the area. A clean-up operation is well under way and the area will continue to be monitored.

“Six nearby properties were evacuated with a number of people being supported by friends and family or in temporary accommodation until the building can be demolished.”

Local businesses in the area were closed on Monday with some expected to re-open on Tuesday.

The roads in the surrounding area are also open.

Police confirmed on Monday that a probe was under way into the cause of the fire and “several positive inquiries” were being followed.

Inspector Matt Spencer, Levenmouth community inspector said: “We received a report of a fire at a derelict building in Wellesley Road, Methil, which happened around 2.30pm on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

“The initial fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service however, around 5.30pm a secondary fire was reported at the same location. As a result, several properties were evacuated, and road closures were put in place.

“At this early stage of the investigation, we are working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to establish the cause of the fire. We are following several positive inquiries.

“We are advising the public to stay away from the area whilst our work is ongoing.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.48pm on Sunday, May 14 to reports of a derelict building fire in Methil.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances to the town’s Wellesley Road, where firefighters remain working to extinguish the fire.

“There are no reported casualties.”