2025 Kilmarnock fire

Between 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Monday 14 July 2025, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire on King Street, the main shopping street in the town of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire which was initially started on the adjacent Sandbed Street. By the time the Scottish Fire and Rescue service arrived at the scene of the fire, it was already well established and had begun spreading to adjacent buildings. Fire crews remained on the scene until 16 July 2025, two days following the outbreak of the fire, confirming that they were confident the fire was fully extinguished by 16 July but crews would continue to monitor the site to eliminate any potential for fire to reignite. Victoria Buildings, a Category C listed building located at 61-63 King Street, suffered serious damage as a result of the fire, and collapsed both internally and at the front facade of the building which faced onto King Street. Despite the severity of the fire and subsequent collapse of Victoria Buildings, there were no reported injuries. A subsequent criminal investigation was launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Police Scotland. Two 12-year-old boys were arrested and charged on the 17 and 18 July and will appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later in the month. Two 11-year-old boys were spoken to by Police Scotland in connection to the fire, and a report will be submitted to relevant authorities.