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Many people in the area reported hearing loud bangs shortly after the fire began. Officials believe these noises may have been caused by gas cylinders or other materials inside the building igniting during the blaze.
Chaos on the Streets
The sudden fire triggered a swift emergency response, but it also created scenes of confusion and alarm among residents, workers, and visitors in the city center.
People in nearby buildings quickly evacuated as smoke spread through the surrounding streets.
Eyewitnesses described seeing:
Thick black smoke covering parts of the skyline
Flames bursting from upper floors of the building
Emergency vehicles rushing into the area from multiple directions
Police sealing off roads to keep pedestrians safe
Some bystanders filmed the blaze as it intensified, with videos circulating online showing towering flames and firefighters working from aerial ladders to contain the fire.
Massive Emergency Response
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launched a major operation to control the blaze.
More than 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene, supported by several fire engines and specialized equipment.
Fire crews used:
high-reach aerial ladders
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powerful water cannons
breathing apparatus units
coordinated firefighting teams
Because many buildings in the area date back more than a century, firefighters faced the additional challenge of preventing structural collapse.
Older buildings often contain hidden voids and wooden structures that allow flames to spread quickly.
Protecting nearby buildings became one of the top priorities for emergency crews.
Evacuations Across the Area
Authorities quickly ordered evacuations of buildings surrounding the fire.
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Several nearby hotels, offices, restaurants, and retail stores were cleared as a precaution.