Arson not ruled out after blaze destroys Wolverhampton gym
A 'high level of volatile organic matter, such as flammable liquid' has been found at a gym in Wolverhampton where the roof was destroyed in a blaze.
But fire investigators said they are unsure if it was arson.
West Midlands fire service confirmed that further investigations were being carried out at the scene of the fire, at Bushbury Weights & Fitness Centre, Primrose Avenue.
The fire took place on Saturday, starting at around 11.15pm. Firefighters from Fallings Park and Wolverhampton were battling the blaze within five minutes of being called. They were soon joined by crews from Willenhall and Bloxwich.
A total of eight fire crews were deployed to tackle the blaze, which was under control by around 12.30pm.
A spokesperson for West Midlands fire service said: "A high amount of volatile organic matter, such as flammable liquid, was found at the scene. We are not saying it is arson, as we are unsure yet as to what was present on the site prior to the fire.
"Investigators are taking samples and could revisit the site in the next few days to determine the cause."
Photographs taken yesterday of the inside of the gym revealed the extent of the damage, with gaping holes in the first floor ceiling, and the remaining gym equipment covered in a thick layer of ash.
Nearby residents reported seeing the flames and told us that previous fires had taken place in the area, with cars being burnt out behind the flats along the avenue.
Owners of the gym, who wished not to be named, said they were 'still in shock' following the blaze.
"It's still raw to be honest
"It's out livelihoods, you know." They said.
The owners estimate they spent around £100,000 on the gym, installing the equipment and machines.
"It was just an empty shell when we got it. You wouldn't have let your dog in here" they said.
A mother of a 13-year-old boy who used the boxing facilities at the gym for three years said: "It's heartbreaking it really is.
"You look at all the work they put into it and now it's all gone.
"We've had lots of support from people on Facebook already, looking to raise some money for the gym. They can't believe what's happened."
The gym's Facebook page revealed that the owner had purchased five new 'pre-core Icarian machines' to build strength and increase cardio fitness in December 2014. The upper floor of the gym had extensive space for boxing training, including a full sized ring, three professional punch bags.
The owners were also looking to launch a new series of female-only aerobics and fitness classes.
