Historic Edinburgh Building Damaged in Large Fire
L'essentiel
- A historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street, the former Debenhams, was severely damaged by a large fire that broke out early this morning.
- Firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze, leading to road closures and transport disruptions.
- No injuries have been reported.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
A large fire has severely damaged a historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street, the former Debenhams. Firefighters worked through the early hours to control the blaze, causing road closures and transport disruptions.
A historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street has been badly damaged in a large fire.
Firefighters were sent to the disused site at the old Debenhams building at about 02:50 and worked through the early hours to bring the flames under control.
A number of roads have been closed and commuters are being diverted away from the area, with extensive damage particularly on the upper floors and roof.
Videos of the fire at its height have been posted on social media, showing large flames emerging from the two top floors and smoke billowing into the street.
The extent of the damage is not yet known.
At about 09:20 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said crews were dampening down hot spots.
A spokesperson said: "Operations control mobilised six appliances and two height appliances plus supporting resources to the scene and firefighters worked through the early hours of the morning the contain and extinguish the flames.
"Crews continue to extinguish and dampen down hotspots and will be in attendance for some time."
Police are on the scene and said inquiries are ongoing.
Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street are closed and the force has urged people to avoid the area.
There are no reports of injuries.
Trams in the area have been disrupted, with services running part route from Edinburgh Airport to West End only.
Edinburgh Trams said tickets will be accepted by ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley and on Lothian bus services between West End and Newhaven.
Lothian Buses said a number of services had been diverted.
River Island and Levi's had shops on the ground floor of the building but both units have closed.
A steady stream of commuters walked through Princes Street Gardens earlier as they were diverted away from the blaze scene.
Jakki Rowley, who lives nearby, told BBC Scotland News it was a "sad day" for the city.
She compared the scene to huge fire that destroyed Glasgow's Union Corner building in March, saying: "It's like Glasgow all over again, a beautiful historic building getting broken.
"I've lived here all my days and I think it is important to keep the original buildings. That's what tourists are here for. I am sad, very sad."
Questions ouvertes
- What caused the fire?
- What is the full extent of the structural damage?
- What are the plans for the building's future?
