Update: Retail building fire on Princes Street, Edinburgh

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We have now left the scene of a fire within a former retail building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

"We were alerted to the incident at 2.52am on Thursday, 9 July.

"At its height, around 50 firefighters, six fire appliances, two high reach appliances and additional specialist resources were mobilised.

"There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 8.15am on Friday, 10 July.

"A joint investigation with Police Scotland into the cause of the fire is now underway."

ENDS

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was mobilised to reports of a fire within a former retail building shortly before 3am on Thursday, 9 July.

The fire has now been extinguished following an extensive operation involving around 50 firefighters, six fire appliances, two high reach appliances and additional specialist resources. Crews successfully contained the fire to the affected site and prevented further damage to neighbouring buildings.

Firefighters will remain at the scene for some time as they continue to dampen down hotspots and support partner agencies. There are no reported casualties.

Road closures remain in place and drivers and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area where possible.

SFRS is working closely with partner agencies, including Police Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council, to assess the stability of the affected building and any ongoing impact on the local area.

A preliminary joint investigation with Police Scotland into the cause of the fire is underway. At this early stage, SFRS cannot speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Willie Pollard said: "This has been a complex and challenging incident in a busy city centre location and I would like to commend our firefighters and Operations Control staff for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout.

"Crews worked in demanding conditions to bring the fire under control and successfully contain it to the affected building, which was undergoing construction works and has suffered extensive damage.

"Their actions helped prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring buildings and significantly reduced the wider impact of this incident.

"While the fire has now been extinguished, firefighters will remain on scene as we continue to support recovery operations alongside our multi-agency partners.

"I would also like to thank Police Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and all partner agencies for their continued support, as well as members of the public and local community for their patience and understanding while this incident is brought to a safe conclusion."