'Massive fire response' following incident near centre of Edinburgh
Last updated 8th Aug 2025
Dramatic images have emerged of emergency teams responding to reports of a fire in a commercial building near the centre of Edinburgh, as thousands converge on the capital for one of its busiest nights of the year.
Smoke could be seen in the street outside a Chinese restaurant in Ratcliffe Terrace, while firefighters doused the building from above with water, using an aerial appliance.
A total of nine crews, some with specialist equipment, were called out after the alarm was raised shortly before 7.30pm this evening (Friday).
It comes as the city hosts the first of three sold-out Oasis concerts at Murrayfield Stadium.
Many routes were already busy with visitors to the Fringe and those taking their seats at the nearby Castle for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The fire broke out in a building close to a BP service station, with local crews quick to seal off the surrounding area.
As one firefighter could be seen laying out breathing apparatus on the pavement below, one eyewitness described the scenes as a "massive fire response".
More to follow....