Firefighters will remain on Edinburgh’s Princes Street for “quite a considerable time” after a blaze gutted a historic building, with the roof and top floors destroyed. The fire at the site of the former Debenhams department store broke out in the early hours of Thursday, causing “significant damage” to the B-listed structure.
Fire Brought Under Control but Hotspots Remain
Fire crews battled through the morning to bring the flames under control. By the evening, the fire had been extinguished, with firefighters continuing to dampen down hotspots. Deputy assistant chief officer Willie Pollard of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was “well under control.” Speaking to the media on Princes Street, he stated: “As you can see behind me, there’s been significant damage done to the building. The fire has been put well under control. At the minute we’re dampening down any hotspots or any residual burning that may be in the building. The fire has been quite significant, as you can see, and we will be in attendance for quite a considerable time moving forward. We understand the disruption that will have to the local community.”
Emergency Response and Damage
Emergency services were first called to the scene at 2:52 am on Thursday. Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances attended at the height of the incident. The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside. There were no reports of any injuries. An investigation into the fire, which involves Police Scotland, has been under way throughout the day, Pollard added.
Public Reaction and Disruption
Large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off, causing traffic disruption around Edinburgh. Tram services are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only, with ticket acceptance in place with ScotRail and Lothian Buses. Some bus services have been diverted. Passers-by spoke of their sadness over the incident. Robert Murphy, 72, who used to work in the River Island shop next to the former department store, said the potential loss of the building was a “tragedy.” He added: “Sometimes I would go next door to Debenhams, I was impressed with the quality. The building was just really nice. It was on the same lines as Jenners. They seem to be getting replaced with concrete and glass – cheaper-looking buildings.” Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: “It’s an iconic building, and it’s such a shame that yet another one’s gone up in flames on Princes Street. It’s just a shame to see it because we lost a couple, there was one down in Jenners as well that went up in flames a few years back.” Another man, Sotirs, 36, said: “I feel sad because it looks like a classic building and I feel bad because they make the city much more beautiful and it’s a nice building.”
Building History and Future Plans
The building at 109 Princes Street dates back to 1869 and was originally called the Palace Hotel. The Debenhams branch closed in May 2021 following another fire at the premises the previous month. It was acquired by Criterion Capital, which had announced plans to turn it into its first Zedwell hotel in Scotland. A Criterion Capital spokesperson said: “In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved. There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism. This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh’s city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities.”
Council Response and Safety Measures
The city council said some residents were evacuated overnight and warned there will be ongoing disruption in the area. Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m relieved to hear that nobody has been hurt, and grateful for the swift response of the emergency services who prevented this devastating fire becoming far worse. Once the area has been made safe, we will fully assess the condition of the building and consider next steps. I hope that local residents who were evacuated during the night will be able to return home soon.” A council spokesperson said 10 people were evacuated from a property on Rose Street and taken into a nearby Premier Inn on Thursday morning. Castle Street, Frederick Street and Rose Street North Lane had been reopened as of 8:30 pm on Thursday. The surrounding area of Princes Street remained closed, along with Rose Street and Rose Street South Lane. Members of the public have been advised to continue avoiding the area and to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
Investigation Ongoing
Police Scotland said firefighters and officers cannot enter the building because it is deemed not safe to enter. Work is ongoing to ensure the area is made safe, and inquiries are at an early stage. Police said a joint investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.
