BLAZE RIPS THROUGH OLD BINGO HALL

Apr 18 2008 Paisley Daily Express

DOZENS of people were evacuated early yesterday as scores of firefighters tackled a fierce blaze which swept through a former bingo hall.

Officers wearing breathing masks went into the building in a desperate bid to put the flames out but were beaten back by the intense heat and fears that walls and floors were about to collapse.

Just minutes after fire crews pulled out and onto the street chunks of masonry fell in. As well tackling the dense smoke and dust, dangerous asbestos sheeting was found in the building.

At the height of the inferno, flames and a huge pall of smoke could be seen from miles around.

Yesterday, 12 hours after the blaze started, smoke was still coming from parts of the building and more than 45 firefighters from local stations and relief crews from as far away as Cumbernauld remained at the old Central Bingo and Social Club, which lies in Cross Arthurlie Street in the heart of Barrhead.

It’s thought the fire started at the front of the building which has been empty for about 15 years.

Shocked witnesses said the fire erupted around 11.45pm on Tuesday night and around 30 customers and staff were evacuated from Bar 51 next door.

One witness said: “It was quite spectacular. Flames were shooting into the night sky and there was a big pall of smoke.

“There must have been five fire engines at the scene as well as two hydraulic platforms. Firemen with hoses stood on the platforms and poured water into the heart of the fire. And at first light they were still pouring water into the building. It was quite a sight.”

A woman living close by said: “The fire crew who were tackling the fire inside the building had to come out pretty quickly because of structural damage.

“And only a short time after they did come out floors, ceilings and walls collapsed. The fire has been burning for more than 12 hours.”

Group Commander John Hooper, the fire chief in charge of the major operation, said: “At one point there was a serious danger of flames spreading from the building to premises on either side. The evacuation of everyone in the public house was carried out as a precaution.

“But we poured water on to these neighbouring buildings — Bar 51 and The Gym – and that helped prevent the flames spreading. The fire crews, who came from all over, did very well to contain the outbreak to the bingo hall.”

With 30 minutes of the blaze a 200-yard stretch on Cross Arthurlie Street was cordoned off and traffic was diverted along John Street and Cogan Street. Bus services were also re-routed.

By 9am yesterday more than six business were forced to stay closed as they were in the cordoned off area. Gas and electricity officials were called in to deal with any supply problems that might arise.

Last night police said they were waiting for a report from fire chiefs as to the cause of the outbreak. And the worry of asbestos being in the building will hold back the start of an inquiry.

One officer said: “At this stage no one knows how this fire started. But the possibility it is suspicious cannot be ruled out. At the moment the building is dangerous and the emergency services are not allowed in. But once the fire service begin their investigation we will also start our inquiry.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything unusual near the bingo hall on Tuesday night.

“We would ask anyone with any information to ring Barrhead Police Station on 0141 532 6200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police revealed they are looking at footage from town centre CCTV cameras to see what was happening in the street prior to the fire.

The building was built in the 1930s as a cinema and became a bingo hall in the 1970s.