Firefighters have departed the scene of a significant blaze on Princes Street in Edinburgh that destroyed a historic B-listed building, but the road remains closed as investigations proceed. The fire, which broke out early Thursday, was extinguished, and crews left at around 8:15am on Friday. The site remains under the control of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, who are jointly investigating the cause.
Road Closure and Safety Assessment
Princes Street will only reopen to traffic after the city council's building standards department assesses the structural safety of the remaining building. This assessment will occur after emergency services hand the site over to the local authority, which may decide if demolition is necessary. The roof and top floors of the disused building, formerly part of the Debenhams department store, have been destroyed, leaving the interior blackened and charred.
Fire Service Statement
A fire service spokesperson 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. 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 under way.”
Public Reaction
Edinburgh residents expressed sadness and frustration at the loss of the historic building. Ben Black, 21, told the Press Association: “It’s a tragedy every time an old building is lost. It’s like a bit of the patchwork of the history of the city. Another visible reminder of how old the city is, is gone. And for what?” James Boyd, 27, added: “It’s really horrible, especially after the fire in Glasgow as well, at Glasgow Central.”
Transport Disruptions
Nearby streets Castle Street, Frederick Street, and Rose Street North Lane reopened around 8:30pm Thursday, but Princes Street, Rose Street, and Rose Street South Lane remain closed. Tram services are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only, with ticket acceptance on ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Park to Edinburgh Waverley, and on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven. Lothian Buses are diverted via Morrison Link, West Approach Road, and terminating at the Exchange until further notice.
Safety Advice
Police Scotland stated Thursday night that firefighters and officers could not enter the building due to safety concerns. The public is advised to continue avoiding the area and keep windows and doors closed where possible.
