A huge glasgow fire has ripped through a four-storey building beside Glasgow Central Station, triggering evacuations and a partial collapse. The blaze began in a vape shop on Union Street and escalated within hours, hitting the Forsyth building and forcing the busiest Scottish rail hub to shut; crews were alerted at about 10: 45 ET. More than 60 firefighters and multiple specialist vehicles remain on scene while dozens of services are cancelled and the area is cordoned off.
Glasgow Fire: Station closure and cancellations
Emergency services declared the site unsafe and Network Rail has confirmed Glasgow Central Station is closed until further notice, with all high-level lines suspended and widespread cancellations. The station will not reopen on Monday morning as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze, the Network Rail spokesperson said: “Glasgow Central Station has been closed until further notice, and will not reopen on Monday morning, following a fire at a vape shop on Union Street this afternoon. ” Dozens of train services were cancelled and passengers are being advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.
Emergency response and damage
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised more than 60 firefighters and specialist resources to Union Street; a service spokesperson said: “More than 60 firefighters are currently working to tackle a large building fire on Union Street, Glasgow. ” Crews initially sent six appliances and a specialist vehicle, and at the height of the response nine fire appliances and specialist resources were deployed. There are no reported casualties.
Witnesses at the cordon described thick smoke and visible flames as the blaze spread into upper floors. Observers said structural elements fell during the inferno and embers could be seen inside remaining floors; the dome on the corner of the building was reported to have collapsed. The B-listed Forsyth building partially fell as flames spread from the ground-floor vape shop, with adjacent businesses destroyed: the Sexy Coffee shop said it has been destroyed and the owner of the Willow hair salon said her business had been burned to the ground.
Political figures at the scene expressed concern. First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight, and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding. Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe. ” Paul Sweeney, Labour MSP for Glasgow, added: “Sadly the building has now partially collapsed. I hope the fire can be contained. ” Mr Sweeney noted the building dates back to 1851 and warned of the impact on Union Street regeneration plans.
What happens next
Crews will remain on site as investigations and safety assessments begin; Network Rail and emergency services will manage access and advise when lines can safely reopen. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from cordoned zones on Renfield Street, Gordon Street and surrounding approaches while containment and inspections continue. The ongoing glasgow fire response will include structural inspections of the Forsyth building and checks on neighbouring premises; officials say updates will follow as the situation evolves.
For now the priority remains extinguishing hotspots, securing the damaged structure and protecting the surrounding area; commuters should expect continued disruption while emergency teams work to bring the incident under full control after the glasgow fire. Further announcements are expected from emergency services and rail operators as assessments complete and a recovery timeline is established.
