Firefighters extinguish 'inferno' in Glasgow shopping precinct

Firefighters called to an “inferno” in one of Glasgow’s busiest shopping precincts have announced that the blaze is now contained, and one of the city’s oldest theatres has been saved from the flames.

Assistant chief officer Lewis Ramsay praised the first crews to attend for their quick response after the alarm was raised at 8.20am on Thursday morning. He added: “I am delighted to say we have managed to contain it within the block that was affected and more importantly we have managed to protect and save some iconic premises round about, most notably the Pavilion Theatre.”

Fire crews broke into the 114-year-old Pavilion, one of the city’s best-loved music hall venues, which is located on the other side of a narrow lane behind the building that was on fire, amid concerns that the flames would jump across.

Emergency services were called to Sauchiehall Street in the city centre early on Thursday morning, where the fire had taken hold above a block of retail outlets. The fire is believed to have started in the Victoria’s nightclub, which occupies the upper floors of the block.

Speaking from the scene on Sauchiehall Street, Ramsay said: “It was like a blowtorch and [the first crews] were beaten back by the heat and the flames and a really rapid spread.”

He said the fire crews had to retreat from the burning building quickly before undertaking “some really aggressive firefighting”.

“It was a really complicated fire with an extensive fire spread, spreading across a number of older tenement-style buildings.”

More than 20 fire engines were used, including specialist high reach appliances and a heavy rescue vehicle, with many of the 120 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Streets in the city centre have been cordoned off to traffic and several buildings have been evacuated.

Firefighters reportedly asked pedestrians to move upwind because of concerns about asbestos in the burning building and some police officers at the scene wore face masks.

Police advised those living and working around the scene to stay indoors and keep windows closed while there was still smoke in the air.

Sandra White, a local MSP, talked about the fire at first minister’s questions in Holyrood, asking what assistance could be given to the emergency services, businesses and residents affected.

Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, said the incident was “deeply concerning” and added: “The Scottish government’s resilience unit will remain in contact with the fire services as this incident develops and I will be kept updated in the course of the day.”