The fitness zone and spa suite at the National Sports Centre remain closed due to ’severe’ fire damage.

Fire and rescue crews attended the scene of a fire in the Douglas spa locker rooms, after receiving a fire alarm notification at 5.38pm and a 999 call from NSC staff on Wednesday.

Station officer Paul McEvoy, said: ’Upon arrival of the first appliance the officer in charge leading fire fighter Halsall quickly established that all persons had evacuated the building and the fire was located in a locker room at the rear of the property.

’Fire crews in breathing apparatus quickly entered the area to tackle the fire.

’A total of four crew members wearing breathing apparatus and using two hose reels, thermal imaging cameras and a positive pressure ventilation were involved from the three appliances which attended from Douglas station in extinguishing the fire.

’Fire damage was severe in the locker room with smoke damage to surrounding compartments. The cause of the fire is being looked into at this time.

’The fire and rescue service would like to acknowledge the good work of the NSC staff in placing a backup call and for evacuating everyone clear of the building.’

The main sports hall, secondary sports hall, bowls hall and squash courts reopened from 12pm yesterday (Thursday), while the fitness zone and Spa Suite remained closed.