Youths charged after fire rips through Scots energy firm site causing £60k damage

Youths charged after fire rips through Scots energy firm site causing £60k damage

Three youths have been charged in connection with a blaze at a Scots energy firm’s Lanarkshire base. The fire occurred at Energy Pig’s home office in East Kilbride’s Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, causing the company to suspend operations and resulting in £60,000 worth of stock loss.

The incident took place on Bramah Avenue in East Kilbride on Tuesday night, where a storage unit was engulfed in flames. Fire crews rushed to the scene to tackle the inferno that destroyed heat pumps, solar panels, inverters, boilers, radiators, pipe and fittings, insulation boards, loft wool, and specialist tools and equipment stored inside the unit.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. Police have confirmed that a 14-year-old girl and two boys aged 11 and 12 have been charged in connection with the incident.

David Macneill, the managing director at Energy Pig, expressed his concern over the close call with the tragedy. He mentioned that the fire led to a significant impact on their operations and community support, as the company employs over 80 individuals to assist vulnerable households and those facing fuel poverty.

A spokesperson from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that the fire at the storage unit was extinguished without any casualties, while Police Scotland noted that the youths charged will be reported to the relevant authorities.

The aftermath of the fire has forced Energy Pig to seek new storage facilities and restock their inventory. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless behaviour, impacting not just the company but also the wider community it serves.

In summary, the swift response of the fire crews prevented further damage and potential harm, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in industrial areas. The charges laid against the youths involved serve as a cautionary tale for the consequences of irresponsible actions, emphasising the need for vigilance and accountability in safeguarding businesses and communities from such incidents.