Firefighters leave scene of blaze on Princes Street but road remains closed

Edinburgh's Historic Princes Street Building Suffers Major Fire Damage as Investigation Continues

Firefighters leave scene of blaze on Princes - Emergency crews have departed from the site of a significant fire that severely damaged a heritage building on Edinburgh's famous Princes Street, though the thoroughfare remains shut while authorities examine what caused the blaze. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland continue to maintain control of the area as they work to determine the origins of the incident that began early Thursday morning.

Timeline of Emergency Response

Firefighters were initially called to the scene at 2:52am on Thursday. At the peak of the emergency response, approximately fifty firefighters, six fire appliances, and two high-reach appliances were deployed to tackle the flames. Additional specialist resources were also mobilized to assist with the operation. Crews successfully extinguished the fire and departed the location at approximately 8:15am on Friday, July 10. No casualties were reported during the incident. A fire service spokesperson provided an update: "We have now left the scene of a fire within a former retail building on Princes Street, Edinburgh." They continued: "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." The spokesperson confirmed: "There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 8.15am on Friday July 10."

Building Damage and Assessment Process

The disused B-listed structure, which once formed part of the Debenhams department store, has suffered extensive damage. The roof and upper floors have been completely destroyed, while the remaining framework stands blackened and charred on the interior. Police Scotland noted on Thursday evening that firefighters and officers were unable to enter the building because it was considered unsafe to do so. Any decision regarding the reopening of Princes Street to vehicular traffic must await assessment by the city council's building standards department. This evaluation will determine whether the remaining structure is safe and whether demolition work is necessary. The handover from emergency services to the local authority is a prerequisite for this assessment to begin.

Local Reaction and Transport Disruption

Edinburgh residents expressed disappointment and frustration on Friday regarding the loss of one of the city's historic landmarks. Ben Black, aged 21, shared his thoughts with the Press Association: "It's a tragedy every time an old building is lost." He added: "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, commented: "It's really horrible, especially after the (fire) in Glasgow as well, at Glasgow Central."

Public Advisory and Travel Updates

Castle Street, Frederick Street, and Rose Street North Lane were reopened at approximately 8:30pm on Thursday. However, the surrounding Princes Street area remains closed, along with Rose Street and Rose Street South Lane. Edinburgh is experiencing a second day of transport disruption following the fire. Tram services in the vicinity and certain bus routes continue to be affected. Lothian Buses announced that due to road closures, buses cannot serve Shandwick Place, Princes Street, and Waterloo Place. Instead, services are being diverted via Morrison Link and West Approach Road, terminating at the Exchange until further notice. Edinburgh Trams confirmed that services are operating on a partial route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only. Ticket acceptance arrangements have been implemented with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Park to Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square), as well as on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven. Members of the public have been advised to continue avoiding the affected area and to keep windows and doors closed where possible.

Broader Context

The fire adds to concerns about historic buildings in Scotland following recent incidents, including the fire at Glasgow Central station. The loss of this Debenhams building represents another chapter in Edinburgh's evolving architectural landscape, as the city continues to balance preservation with modernization. The investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway as a joint effort between Police Scotland and the fire service, with findings expected to emerge in the coming days and weeks.