Aftermath of Princes Street Fire Revealed in New Images
New images show the aftermath of a huge fire at Edinburgh's Princes Street, as road closures and diversions continue. The blaze at the old Debenhams store caused 'significant damage' on Thursday morning, July 9, 2026.
Firefighters Battled Blaze for Hours
The fire broke out in the early hours of July 8, with around 50 firefighters racing to Princes Street. Crews from six fire engines and two specialist height appliances battled for hours before extinguishing the fire later on Thursday. The top floors and roof of the building collapsed during the fire.
Joint Investigation Underway
A joint investigation is ongoing with Police Scotland to establish the cause of the blaze. An updated statement from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: "We have now left the scene of a fire within a former retail building on Princes Street, Edinburgh. We were alerted to the incident at 2.52am on Thursday, July 9. At its height, around 50 firefighters, six fire appliances, two high reach appliances and additional specialist resources were mobilised. There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 8.15am on Friday, July 10. A joint investigation with Police Scotland into the cause of the fire is now underway."
Transport Disruption Continues
Trams continue to run between Edinburgh Airport and the West End as Princes Street remains closed. The pavement is blocked off outside the site with tape cordoning the scene. A statement from Edinburgh Trams reads: "Due to the closure of Princes Street, trams continue to run between Edinburgh Airport and the West End. Ticket acceptance remains in place with ScotRail from Edinburgh Gateway/Park into Edinburgh only, and with Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven in both directions."
Fire Service Commends Crews
SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Willie Pollard said on Thursday afternoon: "This has been a complex and challenging incident in a busy city centre location and I would like to commend our firefighters and Operations Control staff for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout. Crews worked in demanding conditions to bring the fire under control and successfully contain it to the affected building, which was undergoing construction works and has suffered extensive damage. Their actions helped prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring buildings and significantly reduced the wider impact of this incident. While the fire has now been extinguished, firefighters will remain on scene as we continue to support recovery operations alongside our multi-agency partners. I would also like to thank Police Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and all partner agencies for their continued support, as well as members of the public and local community for their patience and understanding while this incident is brought to a safe conclusion."
