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16 fire crews battle major blaze at Leven Poundstretcher store

Firefighters using a height appliance to tackle the blaze at Poundstretcher.
Firefighters using a height appliance to tackle the blaze at Poundstretcher. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

Sixteen fire crews have helped battle a major blaze at a Poundstretcher store in Leven.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the town’s High Street just after 2am on Tuesday.

Those living nearby said the fire spread “quickly” as huge flames and plumes of smoke were seen shooting into the air.

The fire service says there are no reported casualties.

Crews have remained at the scene throughout the day damping down the site.

It is not known how the fire started.

However, Councillor Colin Davidson – Levenmouth area chairman – says the incident has left the Poundstretcher building in a precarious position.

And several other businesses, including Stuart’s the baker and a solicitor’s office, are also badly affected.

The Labour councillor wants to see the dangerous sections demolished as soon as possible to enable High Street to reopen.

Fears Poundstretcher will need demolished

He said: “There’s been a major incident meeting this morning and it’s still too early to say when we can get the building down.

“But I’m hoping it can come down in the next week.

“The high street needs to be open as some businesses can’t cope with a long closure.

“It’s too dangerous for the public to be allowed in – if you look at Poundstretcher, it looks like it’s only a lamppost that’s holding it up.”

The fire at Poundstretcher in Leven.
The fire at Poundstretcher in Leven. Image: Briony Alexandra Paddon/Facebook.
Large plumes of smoke were visible across Leven
Large plumes of smoke were visible across Leven. Image: Briony Alexandra Paddon/Facebook.

The closed section of the High Street includes a number of shops, including Superdrug, New Look, a fish shop, butcher and card shops.

The car park for the nearby Levenmouth Sports and Leisure Centre is closed while the incident is dealt with.

Fife Council has also confirmed that a number of roads in the immediate vicinity will remain closed indefinitely as a result of the blaze.

These include Shore Street from Bawbee Bridge to the Promenade, Nairn Street, Brewery Wynd and North Street.

A fire appliance in Leven
A fire appliance in Leven. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.
Crews pumping water into the Poundstretcher building
Crews pumping water into the Poundstretcher building. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

Police had closed the High Street and Esplanade for 12 hours following the fire.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 2.06am on Tuesday November 8 to reports of a building fire on High Street, Leven.

“At its height 16 appliances and specialist resources were at the scene of a fire affecting a commercial property.

“Four appliances and other resources remain on scene as crews work to make the area safe.  No casualties have been reported.”

The area has been cordoned off. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.
Several buildings in the area are thought to have been affected. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

Christine Gray, 59, who lives nearby, says she is sad to see the extent of damage caused by the blaze.

She told The Courier: “I first saw it on social media this morning – the fire looked really bad.

“I’m saddened to see the extent of the damage. I’m also feeling for the business and the staff.”

Leven resident Christine Gray feels for the Poundstretcher staff.
Leven resident Christine Gray feels for the Poundstretcher staff. Image: James Simpson/DC Thomson.

Margaret Thomas, 85, who lives about a mile from the scene, said smoke was “belching” from the building.

She said: “It’s devastating to see the extent of the damage.

“It was a busy shop and it will be a blow for the high street.

“Thankfully no one appears to have been injured.”

Thomas Hastie, 78, who lives half a mile away from the scene of the fire, said: “I actually smelt the smoke this morning from the house.

“Our water was also off as crews tackled the blaze.

Thomas Hastie fears for the future of the Poundstretcher building
Thomas Hastie fears for the future of the Poundstretcher building. Image: James Simpson/DC Thomson.

“It’s a three-storey-high building, I think it will probably have to come down given the extent of the damage.

“It’s devastating that this has happened. I’m feeling for the staff at the business as well.

“The only saving grace is there are no apparent injuries.”

Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, tweeted: “Very concerning to hear about this serious fire on Leven High Street this morning.

“My thanks to the [Scottish Fire and Rescue Service] for their ongoing efforts in challenging circumstances.”

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