Panicked neighbors could only watch as the newly built properties at their Renfrewshire mansion were engulfed in flames on Friday night.
Fire crews arrived at the scene in Merchiston Oval, Brookfield, as the fire destroyed two houses that were still in the middle of construction.
Horrifying footage taken at the time shows houses ravaged by flames of smoke billowing in the neighborhood.
He is believed to have caused £ 500,000 in damage to uninhabited homes.
Residents of the Weirs Wynd mansion near Johnstone told how firefighters dealt with the incident “in time” after the emergency call around 7.20 pm.
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A local living in Murchiston Oval told Renfrewshire Live: “It was pretty scary. You could see the fire tearing the houses apart, more and more flames appearing through the scaffolding.
“You can probably see the smoke from miles away, because at first it just seemed to get bigger and bigger.
“It’s good that no one was hurt and the new buildings are still unoccupied, but it was still a terrible thing to watch.”
Another explained how neighbors fled their homes to see what had happened. She added: “I had just entered the living room and firefighters began to run past the window with their sirens.
(Image: Renfrewshire Live)
“I looked outside and saw smoke and went out after him. Everyone looked quite shocked. I think we were all just worried about who lived nearby.
“Within about an hour there was only a little smoke and a few fire trucks parked on the street. You could see them pouring with a hose what was left of the fire from the roof. They must have been very quick to deal with all this. “
Some neighbors could see hell from their gardens and alleys for fear of spreading to other properties and surrounding fences.
Fire crews have been spotted dealing with the incident at the construction site, where scaffolding remains for homes still under construction.
They also taped nearby Barrochan Lane with water pipes running up the street to the scene.
Other residents nearby turned to social media to comment on the incident.
One local said, “It’s definitely a godsend that no one was hurt,” while another agreed, saying, “Thank God it was one of the uninhabited houses.”
(Image: Renfrewshire Live) (Image: Renfrewshire Live)
A third resident said: “The fire department also needs our thanks for dealing with the fire and that makes us appreciate the amazing work they are doing.
“We are upset about the people who have to move into the houses, but we are grateful that no one was hurt.”
Police launched an investigation Friday night into an alleged arson.
They then confirmed that two young men had been charged in a relationship.
A spokesman for the force said: “Two boys, aged 13 and 14, have been charged with intentionally setting fire to two properties in Brookfield, Johnstone.
“The incident happened around 7.20 pm on Friday, May 6, 2022, in Merchiston Oval.
“They will be reported to the Children’s Reporter.
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