glasgow fire has engulfed a building on Union Street adjacent to Glasgow Central Station, causing a partial collapse of the Forsyth building and prompting widespread evacuations and transport disruption.
Glasgow Fire: What happened at the scene?
The fire began in a vape shop on Union Street and spread through the multi‑storey Forsyth building, with flames visible in upper floors and embers remaining inside. The dome on the corner of the building was seen falling as the blaze progressed and a section of the B‑listed Forsyth building later partially collapsed. Staff at the scene described the collapse of the dome and collapse activity within the building.
More than 60 firefighters and 15 vehicles were mobilised by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Six crews and a specialist vehicle were initially sent to the Union Street address at about 15: 45 ET. Fire crews pumped water from the River Clyde and continued operations into the evening to douse the flames. Emergency services urged the public to stay away from cordoned areas as large crowds gathered on Renfield Street and Gordon Street.
What is the immediate impact on transport and businesses?
Dozens of train services have been cancelled and National Rail said the station will be closed until further notice. Network Rail confirmed that Glasgow Central Station will not reopen on the morning following the blaze and that services through the station remain suspended. The Voco Grand Central Hotel at the station was evacuated and guests were moved to another hotel in the city.
Several businesses housed within the affected building reported significant damage. The Sexy Coffee shop said it had been destroyed, and the owner of the Willow hair salon said her business had been burned to the ground. The closure of the station and the damage to the building have interrupted the usual flow of passengers and commerce in the city centre.
- Origin: vape shop on Union Street
- Building affected: Forsyth building (B‑listed); partial collapse of corner dome
- Emergency response: 60+ firefighters, 15 vehicles, water pumped from River Clyde
- Transport: Glasgow Central closed; dozens of services cancelled
What next for the affected buildings and communities?
With no casualties reported, immediate priorities are containment, safety of nearby structures and assessment of structural damage. Labour MSP Paul Sweeney wrote that he had seen the Forsyth building, which he said dated to 1851, collapse as the fire continued. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain on site managing the incident while enquiries and damage assessments proceed.
Authorities have not announced a timetable for reopening the station; National Rail and Network Rail have both indicated the closure will continue until it is safe to resume services. Local businesses displaced by the blaze face recovery and insurance processes after substantial loss, and the evacuation of the nearby hotel highlights the wider community disruption.
Readers should note the ongoing nature of this incident: emergency crews are still engaged, key services remain suspended, and the full extent of structural damage and economic impact is not yet known. Monitor official updates from the responding agencies for guidance on travel and local safety as recovery work continues, and expect further assessment of the glasgow fire’s effects on the station precinct in the coming days.
