A FIRE, allegedly started deliberately, has brought Cumnock to a standstill for the past week Three appliances, two from Cumnock and one from Mauchline, were deployed to the scene at Glaisnock Street in the town centre after the alarm was raised just before 3pm last Wednesday, with a height vehicle from Ayr also in attendance.

Flames were shooting out from an empty flat above a former take-away restaurant, while smoke billowed out and could be seen for miles around as fire crews battled the blaze.

Roads were sealed off in the vicinity of the outbreak, bringing early afternoon traffic to a virtual halt with long queues of traffic stretching in all directions.

Gary McKay, watch manager, was in charge of the operation to douse the flames, and said: “There were no evacuations or rescues from the building, although we did evacuate the pub next door as a precaution.

“The fire had badly damaged the roof, and we were on the scene for several hours dampening down the scene. There were some parts of the building which we were able to get into but most of it was dangerous to enter.

“Scottish Power have been out to isolate the electricity while the gas company has also attended to shut off the supply. Building control officers will be assessing the damage before any further decision is made.” Shoppers ran for cover after smoke engulfed the area around Cumnock shopping centre, opposite the fire.

Janitor at the centre, Graham Fullarton, said: “I was working inside and only became aware of the incident when I could hear the fire engines outside.

“There was smoke coming into the centre and we had to close all the doors for a time, and there was still a strong smell of smoke later.” Alan Coughtrie, station manager at Scottish Fire and Rescue, added: “Personnel wearing breathing apparatus carried out a systematic search of the property to ensure no one was within and used main jets, hose reel jets and a water tower from the high reach appliance to bring the fire under control.

“The quick action of the local crews stopped the fire from spreading to adjoining properties and fire crews remained in attendance during the night to carry out regular checks of the premise to ensure all areas had been extinguished.

“Scottish Fire and Rescue would like to extend their thanks to local businesses who provided refreshments to the attending crews, very much appreciated during a challenging time.” David McDowall, East Ayrshire Council’s Building Standards operations manager, said: “The damaged roof at the building on Glaisnock Street has now been removed and other damaged sections of the building are in the process of being made safe.

“Although the structure of the property remains largely intact, the premises will require further support measures as well as significant clearing of the interior. We had a meeting on Tuesday, that has allowed us a closer inspection of the fire damage and an appropriate course of action will now be determined.” “One room in the flat, above the Jade Flower Chinese Restaurant, was set on fire by unknown methods. There were no injuries and the fire brigade attended the blaze.

“A 14-year-old boy has been reported to the procurator fiscal for alleged wilful fire raising.” Meanwhile, a section of Glaisnock Road remains closed to traffic, between Ayr Road and the New Bridge Street/Barrhill Road junction, with diversions in place.

View a dramatic video sent in by reader Robert Coldicutt of the blaze at its height by using the link below https://youtu.be/p0Bz9fLS9qU