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Firefighters tackle blaze in Glasgow shopping precinct Firefighters tackle blaze in Glasgow shopping precinct
(about 2 hours later)
Firefighters are tackling a blaze in one of Glasgow’s busiest shopping precincts. Firefighters called to a blaze in one of Glasgow’s busiest shopping precincts are battling to save a historic theatre in the path of the flames.
Emergency services were called to Sauchiehall Street in the city centre at about 8.20am on Thursday, where a “well-developed” fire was burning above an outlet of Holland and Barrett. Fire crews are reported to have broken into the Pavilion theatre, one of the city’s oldest music hall venues, which is located on the other side of a narrow lane behind the building that is on fire.
Nearby streets, which can be seen filled with smoke, have been cordoned off to traffic and several buildings have been evacuated while firefighters deal with the blaze. Witnesses described flames billowing from a first-floor window. Emergency services were called to Sauchiehall Street in the city centre at about 8.20am on Thursday, where a “well-developed” fire had taken hold above a block of retail outlets.
A spokesman for the Scottish fire and rescue service said: “We were alerted at 8.18am to reports of a well-developed fire which had taken hold within the roof space of a commercial premise.” The fire is believed to have started in the Victoria’s nightclub, which occupies the upper floors of the block.
More than 120 crew and eight fire engines were in attendance at the scene, using water cannon to contain the flames in an attempt to save the theatre.
Streets in the city centre have been cordoned off to traffic and several buildings have been evacuated.
A spokesman for the Scottish fire and rescue service said: “We were alerted at 8.18am to reports of a well-developed fire which had taken hold within the roof space of a commercial premise.
“Operations control mobilised a number of fire engines to Sauchiehall Street, where firefighters are tackling the fire. Crews have safely evacuated the occupants of several nearby properties.”“Operations control mobilised a number of fire engines to Sauchiehall Street, where firefighters are tackling the fire. Crews have safely evacuated the occupants of several nearby properties.”
Firefighters have reportedly asked pedestrians to move upwind because of concerns about asbestos in the burning building. Firefighters have reportedly asked pedestrians to move upwind because of concerns about asbestos in the burning building, and some police officers at the scene are wearing masks.
Sandra White, a local MSP, raised the fire at first minister’s questions in Holyrood at lunchtime, asking what assistance could be given to the emergency services, businesses and residents affected.
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, said the incident was “deeply concerning” and added: “The Scottish government’s resilience unit will remain in contact with the fire services as this incident develops and I will be kept updated in the course of the day.”
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