Firefighters will remain on Edinburgh’s Princes Street for “quite a considerable time”, following a blaze that gutted a historic building.
The building at the site of the old Debenhams department store suffered “significant damage” in the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday.
Fire crews battled through the morning to bring the flames under control and by the evening, the fire had been extinguished, with firefighters continuing to dampen down hotspots.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
Deputy assistant chief officer Willie Pollard, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said the blaze was “well under control”.
Speaking to the media on Princes Street, he said: “As you can see behind me, there’s been significant damage done to the building.
“The fire has been put well under control. At the minute we’re dampening down any hotspots or any residual burning that may be in the building.
“The fire has been quite significant, as you can see, and we will be in attendance for quite a considerable time moving forward.
“We understand the disruption that will have to the local community.”
Mr Pollard advised those living nearby to keep windows and doors closed.
An investigation into the fire, which involves Police Scotland, has been under way throughout the day, he added.
Emergency services were first called to the scene at 2.52am on Thursday.
Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances attended at the height of the incident.
Pictures posted on social media during the night showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the building.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off, causing traffic disruption around Edinburgh.
Passers-by spoke of their sadness over the incident.
Robert Murphy, 72, used to work in the River Island shop which was next to the former department store.
He said the potential loss of the old Debenhams building was a “tragedy”, adding: “Sometimes I would go next door to Debenhams, I was impressed with the quality. The building was just really nice.
“It was on the same lines as Jenners. They seem to be getting replaced with concrete and glass – cheaper-looking buildings.”
Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: “It’s an iconic building, and it’s such a shame that yet another one’s gone up in flames on Princes Street.
“It’s just a shame to see it because we lost a couple, there was one down in Jenners as well that went up in flames a few years back.”
Another man, who gave his name as Sotirs, 36, said: “I feel sad because it looks like a classic building and I feel bad because they make the city much more beautiful and it’s a nice building.”
Tram services in the area have been disrupted and some bus services have been diverted.
Edinburgh Trams said trams are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only.
It said ticket acceptance is in place with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven.
Lothian Buses said some services in the area have been diverted.
The building at 109 Princes Street dates back to 1869 and was originally called the Palace Hotel.
The Debenhams branch closed in May 2021 following another fire at the premises the previous month.
It was acquired by Criterion Capital which had announced plans to turn it into its first Zedwell hotel in Scotland.
A Criterion Capital spokesperson said: “In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.
“There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.
“This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh’s city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities.”
The city council said some residents were evacuated overnight and warned there will be ongoing disruption in the area.
Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m relieved to hear that nobody has been hurt, and grateful for the swift response of the emergency services who prevented this devastating fire becoming far worse.
“Once the area has been made safe, we will fully assess the condition of the building and consider next steps.
“I hope that local residents who were evacuated during the night will be able to return home soon.”
A spokesperson for the council said 10 people were evacuated from a property on Rose Street and taken into a nearby Premier Inn on Thursday morning.