Huge vape shop blaze collapses building and closes one of UK's busiest train stations
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the fire
A huge blaze broke out in Glasgow city centre last night (Sunday 8 March), which tore through historic buildings and put the city's major train station in jeopardy.
It is believed by officials that the blaze started at a vape shop in the Scottish city yesterday afternoon, which is located near the city's train station.
The flames engulfed the store and would eventually spread to buildings within the vicinity, most notably those near the station.
Emergency services were called and it was reported by The Sun that 60 firefighters remained at the site of the blaze last night.
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Buildings around Glasgow Central Station were caught in the blaze, with the B-listed Forsyth building collapsing after the fire weakened the four-storey structure.
A number of businesses and nearby hotels were evacuated in response to the fire, with locals urged to stay away.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, Glasgow.
“At its height, 18 appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. The incident has since been scaled back and nine appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance.
“There are no reported casualties.”
Numerous train services have been cancelled as a result, with the station remaining closed until further notice, though the flames had not breached the station as walls of the structure reportedly kept the flames away.
Firefighters pumped water from the River Clyde to best douse the flames.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “Emergency services are at Union Street, Glasgow after a fire that was reported around 4pm on Sunday, 8 March, 2026.
“Union Street is closed from Gordon Street and St Vincent Street is closed at Renfield Street with diversions in place.
“People are advised to avoid the area if possible and residents should keep their windows closed.”
Debris and rubble now cover the pavement and road below, as clouds of smoke came from the destroyed building, though the fire service reported at 6.30am that the fire has been reduced.
This morning, nine fire appliances and three high-reach vehicles remain at the scene, fighting off the blaze, as locals have been told to avoid the area while those nearby have been told to keep their windows shut.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said yesterday: “Glasgow Central Station has been closed until further notice, and will not reopen on Monday morning, following a fire at a vape shop on Union Street this afternoon.
“Emergency services, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, are on site and managing the incident.
“As a precaution, all services through Glasgow Central have been suspended and passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.
“We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
Witnesses told the publication that they heard a bang as the vape shop 'exploded', while another remembered seeing 'smoke pouring' out of the shop in the aftermath.
Last night, images captured by a drone showed firefighters on a crane, sprated water through a hole in the roof into the inside of the burning building.
While smoke initially poured from a building next to an entrance to the station, the entire building was engulfed in flames within just a few hours.
Topics: UK News
Joshua Nair