Evacuations as historic building burns

LONDON: A fire that ravaged the historic Glasgow School of Art building has spread to neighbouring properties and led to several evacuations.

Officials said yesterday morning that there was extensive damage to the renowned Mackintosh Building, which was undergoing restoration after it was badly damaged by another fire in 2014.

Flames and smoke slowed efforts by more than 120 firefighters to put out the blaze that started on Friday night. Extensive damage was also reported at a nearby nightclub.

Firefighters remained on the scene yesterday to try to prevent further damage. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said the government “stands ready to help” deal with the aftermath of the fire at the architecturally important building. – AP/ African News Agency (ANA)

PICTURE: EPA-EFE/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) Firefighters battle a blaze at the Mackintosh Building, housing the Glasgow School of Art.the building was being restored after being gutted by another fire four years ago. No one was hurt.