A BLAZE at a derelict property in Dalry took hold in the early hours of Saturday morning and six fire crews were tasked with bringing the fire under control Around 40 firefighters worked to tackle the blaze after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to repeat 999 calls reporting the fire at the property on Sharon Street around 3.30am.

First responders from Dalry and Kilbirnie fire stations arrived to find a derelict building well alight and firefighters deployed two main jets as further resources made their way to the scene.

Additional crews from Kilbirnie, Paisley, Johnstone and Dreghorn were mobilised and incident commanders strategically positioned teams of firefighters to tackle the blaze from multiple points.

An aerial rescue pump provided a raised platform for firefighters to douse the flames from above and active firefighting operations continued until after 7am.

The building suffered a partial collapse as a result of the fire and SFRS commanders advised the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency of the presence of asbestos.

Specialist officers from the SFRS Fire Investigation Unit attended the scene and will work closely with Police Scotland to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

A spokesperson from Police Scotland said: “About 3.30am on Saturday, October 18.

Police Scotland received reports of a fire at the former dairy building on James Street, Dalry.

Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Police Scotland worked with Fire Service colleagues to ensure the safety of nearby residents and a road closure was implemented as a safety precaution.

The road remained closed until about 8.30am.

The cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained.”