Firefighters have tackled a blaze in the former Kitty’s nightclub in Kirkcaldy.
Six crews including a height appliance were called to the building on Hunter Street at 6.20am on Wednesday.
Onlookers reported seeing smoke coming from the building.
Surrounding streets were closed for several hours, though the wider cordon has now been lifted.
The extent of the damage to the building is not known but several windows are smashed and it has been left charred on the outside.
The owner of one business on Hunter Street told The Courier: “We’ve been told that a wide area has been sealed off due to risk of fire spreading due to high winds.
“It’s unclear how long the area will be closed but we are expecting it to be into the afternoon.
Anti-social behaviour concerns
“When we arrived to open up at 7.30am there was still smoke visible from the building. There’s still a strong smell of smoke in the air.”
Other business owners claim the site has been the target for anti-social behaviour in recent weeks, with youths regularly seen entering the building.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received an alert at 6.20am to reports of a fire at commercial premises on Hunter Street, Kirkcaldy.
“Fire crews from Kirkcaldy and Methil were deployed.
“A high-reach vehicle was also in attendance.”
Police say they are working with the fire service to establish a cause.
Kitty’s closed as a nightclub in 2019.
In December last year, plans by Hunter Street Properties Ltd to turn the building into flats were approved by Fife Council.
However, because of spiralling costs, no work has taken place and the property has been put up for sale as a nightclub or redevelopment opportunity.
The plans for the flats at the site have now been formally withdrawn.
The Courier has been unable to reach Hunter Street Properties Ltd for comment on the blaze.
