Multi-agency investigation expected after Glasgow building fire

Investigation planned after Union Street fire

A multi-agency investigation will be conducted into the cause of the fire at a commercial building on Union Street in Glasgow after the four-storey structure partially collapsed.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the fire began on the ground floor of a commercial unit and that it cannot speculate on the cause at this stage.

More than 200 firefighters have been involved in operations since the alarm was raised at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March.

There have been no reported casualties among members of the public or SFRS personnel.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building and led to the loss of the building’s dome.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “This has been a significant incident in Glasgow city centre, which has involved hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly since yesterday afternoon.

“We have now scaled back and eight appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance.

“The initial response involved crews from Glasgow and Lanarkshire, however any incident on this level would need to draw on resources from across Scotland as we bring in relief crews to take over.

“We cannot speculate on the cause of the fire at this time.

“In line with fire investigation protocols, a multi-agency investigation will be conducted, however due to the significant damage that has occurred this may be hampered.”

Firefighters remain at scene

Eight fire appliances and three high reach vehicles remained at the scene on the morning of Monday 9 March.

At the height of the incident, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources were deployed, including a high-volume pump drawing water from the River Clyde.

Firefighters are continuing to cool hotspots within the stonework and are assisting structural engineers assessing the stability of the remaining structure.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area where possible and nearby residents have been asked to keep windows closed as a precaution.

Glasgow Central Station remains closed due to the proximity of the fire to railway infrastructure and the presence of debris around the site.

Commentary highlights vulnerability of historic buildings

Commentary reported by The Guardian has linked the fire to wider concerns about the vulnerability of historic buildings in Glasgow city centre.

Architect and critic Rory Olcayto said: “Yesterday’s fire looks like a tragic accident but it highlights a brutal reality: Glasgow historic architecture is extremely vulnerable and too often those who make this point are called out as nostalgia buffs.

“Until Glasgow treats its built fabric as part of its social fabric, these crises will keep happening.

“Too many senior decision makers in Glasgow still act as if the city has to choose between looking after people and looking after its buildings.”

The Guardian reported that many vacant commercial properties in Glasgow city centre are located in pre-1919 buildings that can be more complex and costly to convert for new uses.

Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust and a specialist conservation architect, said: “Everyone assumes that this is a council problem.

“In actual fact, it’s the owners of the building – they’re the ones who are meant to be maintaining the building.”

Murphy said the trust has been working to promote earlier maintenance of historic buildings so that risks are addressed before buildings deteriorate further.

The cause of the Union Street fire remains unknown and a multi-agency investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.