Old Forum fire in Irvine treated as deliberate by police
The blaze at the former Forum shopping centre shut the Rivergate and prompted a late-night emergency response
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
A fire which tore through a Celtic supporters’ club and damaged a former shopping centre in North Ayrshire is being treated as deliberate by police.
Emergency services were called to Low Green Road in Irvine at around 11.30pm on Monday night after reports of a large blaze.
The fire badly damaged part of the old Forum shopping centre and forced the neighbouring Rivergate Shopping Centre to close the following day, causing disruption for shoppers and businesses.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent six fire engines along with two specialist height appliances to tackle the flames.
No injuries were reported.
Police Scotland has confirmed the fire is being treated as wilful and an investigation is under way.
Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor, Local Commander for North Ayrshire, said: “We were called to a report of a fire at a premises on West Road, Irvine, around 11.50pm on Monday, 2 February, 2026.
“Emergency services remain in attendance, but no injuries have been reported.
“The fire is being treated as wilful, and enquiries are ongoing.
“We’d like to thank our emergency partners for their ongoing efforts and the public for their patience.”