Fire at former school ‘started deliberately’

Published on 23/06/2012 01:56

SOME 60 firefighters fought a large blaze at a derelict Aberdeen school that is believed to have been started deliberately.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at the former Bankhead Academy building in Dyce at about 5am.

The service’s area manager, Andy Couselant, said the incident was being treated as suspicious, as it appeared to have been “a reckless act of wilful fire-raising”.

He said it had not only risked the lives of the firefighters involved but had also caused disruption to the community and taken staff away from the fire service’s other duties.

A joint investigation has been launched with Grampian Police.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett, who represents the area, condemned those responsible.

He said: “Whoever started the fires in Bankhead Academy should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

“This was an incredibly dangerous and reckless thing to do.”

The school closed in 2009 and had been used for storage until last September.