A PROBE has been launched into the cause of a fire at a warehouse in Glasgow's East End.

Five fire crews rushed to the scene in Rogart Street, Bridgeton when the fire broke out at 10.30am yesterday.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, plumes of smoke could be seen for miles across the city as the blaze raged in the former Adam G. Brown premises.

Now police are investigating the incident, which they believe was started deliberately.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze using hoses on extended ladders to tower over the red brick building.

A spokesman for Fire and Rescue Scotland said: "Staff at operations control received a num- ber of 999 calls from the public, who reported large amounts of smoke coming from the roof of the warehouse.

"The incident commander ordered crews to tackle the fire from numerous points, and eight fire fighters in full breathing apparatus doused the flames using four high-pressure main water jets.

"Their efforts success- fully brought the incident under control and extinguished the main seat of fire."

Local people said they had not seen anyone using the building for months.

Emily Mandors, who works in local company Clear Connections watched from her office window as smoke billowed from the building. She managed to photograph the dramatic scene.

Emily said: "We were concerned about people being in the building.

"The blaze expanded really quickly.

"We came down from the office because the incident was quite close to our window and we were a bit worried we'd have to be evacuated.

William Pender, owner of nearby Brook Street Car Sales cleared vehicles from Rogart Street to allow firefighters access.

William said: "One of the other local businessmen came over and said there was smoke coming from a roof.

"He had called the fire service.

"The fire engines were there very quickly and as soon as they opened one of the doors it must have let air in because all the smoke came out.

"We all knew the building was empty, so I don't know how a fire would start in there.

"There was nobody in it."

It is thought the roofing material supplier's former premises had been empty for more than 18 months.

Offices and flats behind the warehouse also remained unaffected and there was no need for evacuations from surrounding businesses.

Police closed Crownpoint Road for half an hour and nearby Fordneuk Street and Brook Street were also cordoned off but these roads have since reopened.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk