Swinney: ‘Enormous damage’ after Glasgow vape shop blaze

Published: 9 March 2026

The English Chronicle Desk

The English Chronicle Online — UK News

A devastating fire that tore through a historic building beside Glasgow Central Station has caused “enormous” damage, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has said, as emergency crews continue to secure the site and assess the structural impact. The blaze, which began inside a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday afternoon, rapidly escalated into one of the most destructive city‑centre fires Glasgow has seen in years.

Firefighters were first alerted shortly before 4pm, after smoke was seen pouring from the shopfront. Within minutes, flames had spread vertically through the 19th‑century structure and around the corner toward Gordon Street, threatening the entrance to Glasgow Central — Scotland’s busiest railway station. The intensity of the blaze caused part of the building, including a distinctive dome, to collapse.

By early Monday morning, the station was closed, rail services were suspended, and surrounding streets remained cordoned off as crews continued to battle hotspots more than 13 hours after the fire began. National Rail said there was “no estimate on when the station will reopen”, warning commuters to expect major disruption throughout the day.

Swinney, who is expected to visit the site, praised the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for preventing an even greater disaster. “The damage is enormous,” he said, noting that the collapse of the building had shocked Glaswegians who watched the blaze unfold from nearby streets and hotel windows. He added that the destruction of the iconic structure — a familiar part of the city’s Victorian architectural landscape — would be deeply felt across the community.

Witnesses described scenes reminiscent of wartime devastation as flames engulfed the building. Some compared the destruction to “the Blitz,” a reference echoed in early reports as images of the collapsed dome and smoke‑filled streets circulated online. Businesses housed within the structure have been destroyed, and nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution. Roads surrounding the station were sealed off to protect the public and allow emergency crews to work safely.

According to the Daily Express, the fire spread so quickly that firefighters were forced to deploy multiple aerial platforms to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching the Grand Central Hotel and the main station concourse. Flames were seen rising high above Union Street as crews fought to stop the inferno from engulfing the station itself.

Despite the scale of the destruction, authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported — a fact attributed to the swift evacuation of nearby buildings and the rapid response of emergency services.

Glasgow Central Station, which handles tens of thousands of passengers daily, has been severely affected. All services were cancelled overnight, and engineers are now assessing whether heat, smoke, or falling debris may have damaged overhead lines or station infrastructure. Rail operators have warned that disruption could continue for days.

The closure has caused significant delays for commuters across Scotland, with services diverted to alternative stations where possible. Transport authorities have urged passengers to check for updates before travelling and to expect longer journey times.

The fire has also dealt a blow to local businesses. Shops, cafés, and offices in the affected building have been left in ruins, and many surrounding businesses remain closed due to safety cordons. For some, the financial impact may be long‑lasting, particularly for independent traders already struggling with rising costs.

The destroyed structure was a B‑listed Victorian building, part of the architectural fabric that has defined Glasgow’s city centre for more than a century. Its partial collapse has reignited conversations about the vulnerability of historic buildings in urban areas, especially those housing modern businesses with electrical equipment and flammable materials.

The blaze is the latest in a series of major fires to hit Glasgow in recent years, including the destruction of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building and the Victoria’s nightclub fire. Each incident has raised questions about fire safety, building maintenance, and the challenges of preserving ageing structures in a modern city.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deployed dozens of firefighters, multiple appliances, and specialist equipment to contain the blaze. Crews worked through the night, rotating teams to manage exhaustion as they tackled the fire from both ground level and elevated platforms.

Swinney commended their efforts, saying their work had prevented the fire from spreading into the station itself — a scenario that could have caused catastrophic damage and endangered lives. He also thanked police and ambulance crews for their coordination in evacuating nearby buildings and managing public safety.

Structural engineers will now determine whether any part of the building can be salvaged or whether it must be demolished entirely. Early assessments suggest that the damage is extensive, particularly after the collapse of the dome and upper floors.

Investigators will also examine the cause of the fire. While it began in a vape shop, it is not yet clear whether the ignition was accidental, electrical, or related to stored materials. Vape shops often contain lithium‑ion batteries and flammable liquids, both of which can accelerate fires.

The Scottish Government has pledged support for affected businesses and residents, though details of any financial assistance have not yet been announced.

For many Glaswegians, the fire has stirred painful memories of previous blazes that destroyed beloved landmarks. The city has a long history of resilience, rebuilding after fires, industrial decline, and economic hardship. But each loss of a historic building is felt deeply.

As one resident told reporters, “It’s heartbreaking. These buildings are part of who we are. To see them collapse like that — it’s like losing a piece of the city.”

With the fire now under control, attention turns to recovery. Clearing debris, assessing structural risks, and restoring transport links will take time. Businesses will need support to rebuild, and the city will need to consider how best to preserve what remains of the historic site.

For now, Glasgow is left to absorb the shock of yet another devastating fire — one that has left a scar on the city’s skyline and disrupted the daily lives of thousands.

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