Two fires ripped through old Maxwell's nightclub in Methil as police investigate

The public have been urged to stay away from an area as police are at the early stage of an investigation after two fires broke out at a former nightclub and bar in Fife on Sunday.

A blaze broke out at the derelict building, which formerly housed Maxwell’s, at around 2.30pm on May 14 in Wellesley Road, Methil.

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.

The fire broke out at the building on Wellesley Road. Fife Jammer Locations

Around 14 fire engines were at the scene tackling the blaze while several properties in the surrounding area were evacuated and road closures were put in place.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Monday that there had been no reported casualties.

The public have been urged to stay away from the area while investigations are ongoing and police say that they are “following several positive lines of enquiry” while working with other partners to establish the cause of the fire.

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 enquiries.

“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.”

Road closures remain in the area at Sea Road from Turner Crescent to junction with Wellesley Road and Wellesley Road from Swan Brae to Memorial Road.