28/4/2008City social club gutted in 'ferocious' mystery fire - Residents devastated by loss of community hall
A GLASGOW social club has been destroyed after a suspected fire bug attack.
Sighthill Social Club was reduced to a charred shell after fire ripped through the building late last night.
A probe is now under way into the cause of the blaze and there are fears it may have been started deliberately.
All that remains of the club are burnt timbers and the fire-damaged building is almost unrecognisable.
The alarm was raised at around 11.15pm last night and crews from Springburn and Cowcaddens were quickly on the scene in Pinkston Drive.
The fire was already well alight in the single-storey building and further back-up was required.
Firefighters donned special breathing gear to tackle the blaze internally, however conditions inside became so intense that there were growing concerns for the crews' safety and they were forced to withdraw.
They described the blaze as "ferocious" and residents in the nearby tower blocks were almost evacuated as prevailing winds brought fears of the smoke spreading. The area was later declared safe.
Three water jets and a high-reach appliance were used to bring the blaze under control but crews were likely to remain at the scene for most of the day as a few pockets of fire could re-ignite.
Fire investigators were expected to carry out inquiries today when the area was made safe.
However, with such extensive damage, there are a number of hazards to be overcome as the structure and floorboards have been left a crumbling wreck.
Everyone involved in the Sighthill Social Club were said to be devastated.
Staff were called in the early hours of this morning and were on site as they saw flames tear through the building.
A club spokesman said: "There appears to be absolutely nothing left and I don't know where we turn from here. To say we are devastated almost doesn't go far enough.
"This is a community facility which brought everyone together and now the area is left with nothing."
Detectives were expected to carry out a detailed investigation to piece together how the blaze started.
A police spokesman said inquiries were under way but it was too early to confirm if it was suspicious.
Really sad to hear that Sighthill bowling club is no longer. Hopefully it can and will be rebuilt. I have many happy memories of times there. I was proposed to by my 1st husband there, had my first legal nite out on the swally and my girls communion and other family members doos were all there. It was an excellent function and very people friendly the hub of a community and very accomodating, sad its gone.