Police and fire probe launched into former department store blaze

Police and fire investigators have launched a joint probe into a blaze that decimated a historic building in Edinburgh.

At its height, 50 firefighters were battling the flames at the B-listed former Debenhams store on Princes Street early on Thursday morning. No-one was injured.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it had "fully extinguished" the flames and crews left the scene at about 08:15 on Friday morning.

An SFRS spokesperson said it was working with Police Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council to assess the "stability" of the building.

A separate investigation involving the fire service and police into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but entry to the building is still deemed unsafe.

Road closures are expected to remain in place for a period and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the area where possible.

Edinburgh council leader Jane Meagher said: "It's too early to speculate on the cause of the fire and it's right that we now wait for the investigation to run its course.

"Ultimately the responsibility for safety and security of the site lies with the owner and contractor.

"We'll work with the owners, Historic Environment Scotland and other partners on next steps once we know more."

Willie Pollard, SFRS deputy assistant chief officer, said it had been a "challenging and complex incident".

He added: "Crews worked in demanding conditions to bring the fire under control and successfully contain it to the affected building, which was undergoing construction works and has suffered extensive damage.

"Their actions helped prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring buildings and significantly reduced the wider impact of this incident."

Crews were dispatched to the scene at about 02:50 on Thursday.

Six fire engines, two height appliances and specialist resources took part in the operation.

Videos of the fire showing smoke billowing from the top two floors and flames leaping from broken windows were posted online.

Princes Street, Rose Street and Rose Street South Lane remain closed, with pedestrians diverted into West Princes Street Gardens.

Frederick Street, Castle Street and Rose Street North Lane reopened at about 20:30.

Bus routes have also been diverted around the incident, while tram services are beginning and ending at the West End.

The building previously housed part of the Debenhams department store, which closed in May 2021 following another fire the previous month.

River Island and Levi's had shops on the ground floor of the building but both units have closed.

Prior to becoming a department store, it was part of the Palace Hotel, later becoming the Liberal Club, designed by architect John Lessels.

Former owners Legal and General had tabled plans for a £50m refurbishment which included a 207-room hotel, but that development never took place.

The site was later bought by Criterion Capital, the real estate firm by headed up by billionaire Asif Aziz.

He planned to turn it into a Zedwell hotel, which would be the first in Scotland if successful.

A spokesperson for Criterion Capital said it was "liaising with the emergency services and relevant authorities to support them as required."

The firm submitted a planning application to clad the building in a false façade, including an advertising screen, in March.

A spokesperson for conservation body Edinburgh World Heritage said: "Fire represents one of the greatest threats to our historic buildings and cultural heritage.

"It is imperative to stabilise and retain as much fabric as possible of this listed building.

"No action should be taken until an urgent investigation has taken place to look into why the fire took place."