CITY ON FIRE
Heart of Glasgow engulfed by massive blaze
DRAMATIC scenes gripped the city centre this morning as firefighters battled to bring a “massive” blaze on Sauchiehall Street under control.
Businesses were evacuated as a section of the usually-bustling street was closed off to the public.
Thick plumes of smoke filled streets as eyewitnesses at the scene told of just how dense the smoke was.
One eyewitness said she could see flames shooting out from the New City Palace Chinese restaurant above Holland & Barrett.
No one is believed to have been hurt. All staff from businesses including Lauders, Specsavers and Holland & Barrett were evacuated.
It is feared the flames may have spread to the historic Pavillion Theatre on neighbouring Renfield Street.
One eyewitness said: “It’s terrifying how quickly it spread. You could see flames shooting out the building.
“It’s incredible to watch all the fire services coordinating the effort. We have a lot to be thankful for.”
The route from Poundland up to Savers on Hope Street was closed off to the public.
Renfrew Lane – behind the Pavilion Theatre – was also closed. Around seven appliances worked to bring the flames under control.
Another eyewitness said: “It’s massive. Dramatic scenes here in what’s usually a bustling street. The firefighters are battling to bring flames under control in what looks like the New City Palace Chinese restaurant.
“The smoke is so thick, you can barely see or breathe.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the street was closed off for the rest of the day.”
Police and a command support unit were also at the scene. Police Scotland said officers were made aware of an incident in Sauchiehall Street at 8.25am.
The force urged drivers to “use an alternative route,” adding that traffic was no longer flowing along Hope Street from Bath Street and Renfield Street.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 8.18am on Thursday, March 22 to reports of a well-developed fire which had taken hold within the roof space of a commercial premise.
“Operations Control mobilised a number of fire engines to Sauchiehall Street, where firefighters are currently on the scene tackling the fire.
“Crews have safely evacuated the occupants of several nearby properties.”
Reporting team: Stacey Mullen, Aftab Ali, Maxine McArthur and Caroline Wilson.