A fire at Glasgow’s under-construction Hydro arena on 8 June was almost certainly caused by welding operations on the roof.
Welders had been working on the roof of the GB pound 125 million concert and conference venue when a spark set fire to a waterproof membrane fitted directly below the aluminium guttering. Officials believe the wind fanned the flames, which spread rapidly, causing damage to the roof. Smoke damaged the inside of the building. Further destruction was caused by the water used to extinguish the blaze.
About 40 firefighters and five appliances limited the damage to the Hydro, which is situated on the banks of the River Clyde. The firefighters used special high-reach appliances with a fully extended hydraulic ladder. Burnt insulation had to be removed from inside the dome’s roof, but there were no reports of casualties.
Rod Stewart concerts
The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), which owns the arena, said it would take about a week to assess whether the building programme will be able to run on schedule and whether the 12,000-seat venue will open in time for a series of Rod Stewart concerts planned for September. Jessie J, Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac, Depeche Mode, the Proclaimers, and Simple Minds are also lined up to play there.
John Sharkey, chief executive of the SECC, told the BBC that customers should continue buying tickets for Stewart’s performances.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander John Rae told the BBC: “Fires within the roof space of any building give major problems to firefighters, especially in terms of access and this was a new building under construction with an unusual design.”
Fire at Glasgow’s new hospital
Just two days after fire ripped through the Hydro arena, there was a blaze at the site of Glasgow’s new GB pound 842 million Southern General hospital.
The Glasgow Evening Times reported that the fire started in a water tank room on the second floor. Work started in 2010 on the project, which will be one of the largest acute hospitals in the UK when it opens in 2015.
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It’s a shame to hear about these two fires. Glad to know that there weren’t any casualties, though, but I imagine the damage to be huge. As for the fire at the new hospital, someone better be prepared with answers.