Major Fire Erupts in Glasgow City Centre, No Casualties Reported

A major fire that broke out in central Glasgow, Scotland, in the United Kingdom, has destroyed part of a historic Victorian building near Glasgow Central Station, causing significant property damage and widespread disruption across the city centre.

The blaze reportedly began on Sunday afternoon at around 3:45 pm in a vape shop located on Union Street. Witnesses said flames quickly spread through the multi-storey building, which dates back to the 19th century and housed several small businesses. As the fire intensified, a prominent dome structure on the corner of the building collapsed late in the evening.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters responded with a large emergency operation involving multiple fire engines and specialist high-reach vehicles. At the height of the incident, as many as 18 emergency vehicles were deployed to control the blaze.

Fire crews continued working overnight, and several appliances remained at the scene more than 18 hours after the fire was first reported.

Authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, though the damage to the building and surrounding businesses has been extensive.

Business owners whose premises were located inside the structure said the fire destroyed their workplaces and equipment, describing the incident as devastating.

Eyewitness Lamin Kongira said he noticed the fire starting inside the vape shop and attempted to put it out using a fire extinguisher before emergency crews arrived. He reported seeing a small fire under the shop counter that quickly grew larger, followed by explosions that forced people nearby to retreat.

The historic building, constructed in the mid-1800s and located at the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street, is connected to properties near the station and was a well-known feature of the area. The destruction of its distinctive dome has become one of the most visible signs of the damage caused by the blaze.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, though early indications suggest it may have originated in the vape shop. Investigations are expected to begin once firefighters fully secure the site.

The incident also caused major disruption in Glasgow’s transport network, with rail services at nearby Glasgow Central Station suspended temporarily as a safety precaution. Road closures in surrounding streets have also affected bus routes and traffic across the city centre.

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, described the blaze as a “very significant fire” and said he planned to visit the site to assess the damage and discuss recovery efforts with local authorities.

Emergency services have urged the public to avoid the affected area while firefighters and investigators continue their work. Officials say the priority remains ensuring public safety and stabilising the damaged structure before any rebuilding or restoration efforts begin.