A blaze broke out at the derelict building, which formerly housed Maxwell’s, on Wellesley Road, Methil at around 2.30pm on Sunday.

Police confirmed on Monday morning that an initial report of a fire at a derelict building was received at around 12.30pm on Sunday.

The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), however at around 5.30pm a secondary fire was reported at the same location.

Fife Council’s building standards team was called to inspect the building and the local authority has now confirmed it will be razed.

The remains of the building will be cordoned off and secured until it is demolished.

In a statement on a council-run Facebook page, a spokesperson wrote: “The council is working to deal with the aftermath of a serious fire in Methil last night.

“The fire broke out in a derelict building in Wellesley Road around 5pm (Sunday) and fire services were quickly on the scene to deal with the blaze. The fire is now out, and our building standards team are advising that the building must be demolished for safety reasons. It’s hoped the demolition work will start as quickly as possible in the next few days and in the meantime the building has been cordoned off and secured.

“As a result of the fire, asbestos cement sheeting, which carries a low risk to public health, has been found in the area. A clean-up operation is well under way and the area will continue to be monitored.

“Six nearby properties were evacuated with a number of people being supported by friends and family or in temporary accommodation until the building can be demolished.”

Meanwhile, firefighters in Dumfries were tackling a blaze at a landmark building last night.

The SFRS confirmed six engines were sent to the former Benedictine Convent on Corbelly Hill at 19:25 on Tuesday.

It is the second time the now-abandoned building has been ablaze, following a major fire in August last year.

The building - which dates back to 1884 - has been empty for some time and has been a target for vandals.

The cause of the latest blaze has yet to be established.

There have been no reports of any casualties in either of the incidents.