Police are urging residents to avoid the area around a former Methil nightclub after a major fire.
Locals were evacuated after the blaze on Wellesley Road in the Fife town shortly before 5pm on Sunday.
Huge plumes of smoke were visible from as far as Kirkcaldy, with fire, police and ambulance units all on the scene.
Emergency services remain on the scene.
Drivers asked to find other routes
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following a fire at a derelict building in Wellesly Road in Methil which was reported to police yesterday, we advise the public to stay away from the area whilst our work is ongoing.
“There are road closures at Sea Road from Turner Crescent to junction with Wellesley Road.
“Wellesley Road from Swan Brae to Memorial Road.
“Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes.”
Inspector Matt Spencer, Levenmouth Community Inspector said: “We received a report of a fire at a derelict building in Wellesley Road, Methil, which happened around 2.30pm on Sunday.
“The initial fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, however, around 5.30pm, a secondary fire was reported at the same location.
“As a result, several properties were evacuated, and road closures were put in place.
“At this early stage of the investigation, we are working alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to establish the cause of the fire.
“We are following several positive inquiries.”
Dozens of witnesses, standing more than 300 yards away, claimed they felt the heat from the flames as they shot through the roof of the abandoned building.
Firefighters on an aerial platform tackled the blaze from above, while others worked from the road.
Levenmouth SNP councillor John O’Brien said there had been reports of children playing in the old Rick’s Discotheque during the afternoon.
‘Another nail in the coffin for Levenmouth’
And he described the inferno as “a disaster”, adding: “It’s another nail in the coffin for Levenmouth.”
It follows major fires at the now-demolished Lundin Links Hotel in August and two blazes on Leven High Street in November.
Mr O’Brien said: “The building is ready to go. The flames were really high and it’s got a right grip.”
Catherine Charnik was evacuated from her home on Wellesley Road with her three children and partner Ewan McDonald.
Speaking on Sunday evening, she said: “I live right next door to the club. I’m here with my three kids and my partner.
“I was just nipping out with the kids and when I got back the fire was here.
“The police wouldn’t let us back in – I had to ask them to get my dog. We have nothing with us. I had to ask a friend to bring shoes for my son.
“We’ve been told we won’t get back into the house tonight.
“They’re going to put us up in a hotel. The kids won’t be able to go to school tomorrow because their clothes are in the house.”
Resident Sreelekshmi Sreekumar said: “I live here. We’ve been evacuated.
“Firefighters came to our door and asked us to leave our house. We’ve been waiting here for hours.
“Our belongings and everything are inside.
“All I was able to grab was my phone and coat – I have nothing else.”
She continued: “I’m feeling stressed and tense. I don’t know when we will be able to get into our house, and I need to go to work tomorrow.”
Fife Council said in a statement: “The council is working with police and fire services to deal with a fire in Methil tonight.
“The fire broke out in a derelict building in Wellesley Road around 5pm and fire services were quickly on the scene to deal with the blaze.
“Four nearby properties have been evacuated and eleven people are being supported in temporary accommodation overnight.
“The council’s building standards team are also on site to advise on the safety of the building.”
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