A Peterhead fire chief called for locals to be vigilant following a blaze in the town last night.
Trevor Ashwell, the port’s watch manager, also appealed for information on youngsters who were seen running away from the scene of the incident at St Peter Street.
Both of the town’s fire engines were called out after a member of public reported smoke coming from a derelict building around 5.40pm.
Crews were tied up for an hour as they battled their way through dense weeds and an asbestos roof to make the area safe while members of the public watched from behind a cordon.
Mr Ashwell said witnesses had seen youngsters with “blackened faces” fleeing the site.
He urged locals to call police with any information they may have about willful fire-raising.
“If anyone sees any suspicious activity, they should call Police Scotland on 101 and pass on any information they can, or phone the local fire station,” he said.
“What we don’t want is accidents to happen and people getting injured – whether that’s the perpetrators lighting the fires or innocent bystanders or properties.
“All fire resources in the Peterhead area were tied up dealing with that fire. We have two appliances and both were there, which obviously leaves the area vulnerable in that other appliances would have to come from much further – Maud, Ellon and Fraserburgh.”
He said the information about the youngsters had been passed onto the police who would be conducting an investigation into the incident.
Local councillor Anne Allan said it was “disturbing” to hear that children were playing with fire.
“People should be aware and keep their eye out. Parents in particular should know where their children are and what they’re up to,” she said.