A police probe has been launched after a reckless firebug started a fire inside a Scots YMCA building filled with young children.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Hendry Crescent in Kirkcaldy shortly before 9pm on Monday after the alarm was raised.
Brave staff at the community hub thankfully managed to evacuate everyone from the building however a bathroom was left severely damaged as a result of the blaze.
Liz Easton, general secretary of the YMCA in Kirkcaldy, said: “We are just so glad that no-one was injured due to this mindless and deliberate act of destruction.
“The staff acted very swiftly which significantly helped reduce much more serious damage to the building.
“All the young people who were on site once the fires were detected behaved very well and supported the staff in a fast evacuation of the building and offered their help – they truly value the services being provided to them and have a great sense of commitment to Kirkcaldy YMCA – it is their place.
“We have no idea what the costs of repairs are likely to be but at least £40,000 of damage has been caused to the building.
“We have managed to open the doors and enable much needed services to resume for local children, young people and adults who use our provision on a daily basis.”
Pictures from the scene show the blackened room which suffered extensive smoke damage - rendering it unusable.
At least two fire engines rushed to the scene while officers cordoned off the surrounding area while they dealt with the incident.
It is understood that no one was injured during the incident however Police Scotland have confirmed that they are treating it as ‘wilful’.
They are appealing for anyone with information to contact officers in a bid to trace the culprit.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.50pm on Monday, 24 May, police were called to a report of a fire at a building in Hendry Crescent, Kirkcaldy.
“The incident is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 3349 of Monday, 24 May.
“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added: “We were alerted at 8.25pm on Monday, May 24 to reports of a building on fire at Hendry Crescent, Kirkcaldy.
“Operations Control mobilised two appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire on the second floor of a two-storey building.
“Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe and there were no reported casualties.”
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