Sauchiehall Street fire: What we know so far

Firefighters have now contained a massive blaze that brought Sauchiehall Street, one of Glasow's busiest pedestrian thoroughfares, to a virtual standstill.

Witnesses described seeing smoke from the blaze from miles around as more than 120 firefighters fought to get it under control.

Here is what we know so far.

Where did it start?

Despite initial reports that the fire had started in the Holland and Barratt health shop, it now seems to be common consensus that the blaze started above Victoria’s nightclub. Emergency services were called to the scene at 8:18am

How bad is the fire?

The fire is substantial. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) chief Alasdair Hay described the blaze as “one of the largest incidents SFRS has faced since its inception”.

Twenty fire appliances have attended the scene and more than 120 firefighters. The height of the plume of smoke across the city was captured by Police Scotland helicopter footage.

Police Scotland photos of the Sauchiehall Street fire taken from the air

The amount of damage to buildings will likely not become clear for a number of days.

Is it under control?

More than 120 firefighters have worked to control the blaze, which has now been contained.

A police officer on Sauchiehall Street as firefighters work to control a blaze. Pic: PA Wire

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay has confirmed the 114-year-old Pavilion Theatre has been saved.

Iain Gordon, general manager of the theatre, had earlier said: “It’s getting worse, the flames are leaping out of the top now. Everybody is out of the area, they have all been evacuated.”

Is there any danger to the public?

Buildings were vacuated in Sauchiehall Street, restricting the danger to the public.

Smoke billows into the air from the scene of the Sauchiehall Street fire

Fire crews warned members of the public to move upwind of the massive blaze.

A policeman reportedly told pedestrians in the area there was asbestos in the smoke. Firefighters at the scene were quoted as saying to the public and reporters to move downwind of the fire, as the smoke billowing throughout the city could be contaminated with asbestos from the buildings.

Is anyone injured?

Police say there are no fatalities and have confirmed there are no known injuries.

A number of buildings nearby have been evacuated, not just due to the fire but because of a continued danger to health due to possible smoke inhalation.

The scene in Glasgow city centre where firefighters are tackling a large blaze on Sauchiehall Street. Pic: PA Wire

Emergency services at the scene could be seen wearing face masks.

Is the street closed?

Yes. Sauchiehall Street remains closed off as the fire is still burning. West Nile Street is now also closed from Killermont Street to Bath Street.