Hundreds evacuated as fire breaks out in Edinburgh
Emergency crews were called to the blaze at the Holyrood area at around 12:35pm.
Last updated 4th Jul 2019
A police investigation is underway into what caused a fire in Edinburgh which resulted in hundreds of people being evacuated from nearby homes and businesses.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at Hammerman’s Entry around 12:35pm – between Holyrood Road and the Royal Mile.
The source of the fire was an electrical substation - black smoke could be seen billowing across the capital.
The fire has now been extinguished but emergency services remain on the scene.
Eye witnesses say they heard loud bangs in the area, but there are no reports of any injuries.
Four fire engines as well as numerous police cars and ambulances attended.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Police in Edinburgh were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at a fire at an electrical substation near Holyrood Road on Thursday 4th July.
"Officers attended and local road closures were put in place whilst fire crews worked at the scene.
"Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and there were no reports of any injuries.
"A joint investigation is underway between police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause and full circumstances surrounding the fire.
"Inquiries are at an early stage however there doesn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances."
A large cordon was set up by police on Holyrood Road stretching from Moray House down to the Scottish Parliament.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 12.35pm on Thursday, July 4 to reports of a well-developed fire involving an electrical substation near Holyrood Road, Edinburgh.
"Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and an aerial appliance and firefighters are currently working to extinguish the fire.
"Crews are working alongside partners in Police Scotland to evacuate nearby properties as a precautionary measure."
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