Firefighters tackle major blaze in Edinburgh city centre
It's not yet clear exactly which building is on fire but it's in the vicinity of the old Jenners department store which is currently being redeveloped
Last updated 23rd Jan 2023
Emergency crews are dealing with a large building fire on Edinburgh's Rose Street.
Flames took hold on the block between Hanover Street and St Andrew Square with large plumes of smoke billowing into the air above the city centre.
It's not yet clear exactly which building is on fire but it's in the vicinity of the old Jenners department store which is currently being redeveloped.
The fire service says, at this stage, there are no reports of injuries.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 11.29am on Monday, January 23 to reports of a commercial building fire at Rose Street, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control has mobilised a total of 22 appliances and other specialist resources to the scene, where crews remain in attendance."
Roads around the fire have been closed to traffic and pedstrians.
People are being urged to avoid the area.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: "It's so sad to see a fire at one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings. I’d like to thank the fire service for their speedy response.
"Council officers remain on the scene and are supporting the emergency services and those affected by the fire.
"Understandably, there have been a number of road closures in the area, which has affected transport in the city centre. Please keep an eye on travel messages to make sure you're up-to-date with any changes to your journey.
“Hopefully the damage to the building will be minimal so that restoration work can continue and the building can be enjoyed for another 100 years - and beyond."
READ MORE: 5 firefighters injured in Edinburgh Jenners store blaze
Marks and Spencer and the Mercure Hotel, in Princes Street, have been closed as firefighters work in the neighbouring former department store, and some buildings have been evacuated.
"I work at one of the businesses nearby and I nipped out for lunch and tried to get in but we have been evacuated," one worker said.
"I was aware of the sirens and it was one of my team that said Jenners was on fire.
"The building's beautiful. It's such a beautiful piece of architecture, it's such a shame, especially with it shutting down and lying kind of empty."
Firefighters tackle blaze at Jenners in Edinburgh city centre
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