Massive Fire Destroys Historic Forsyth Building and Forces Authorities to Shut Down Glasgow Central Station While Smoke and Debris Bring Transport Chaos to Union Street in Glasgow

A dramatic fire near one of Scotland’s busiest transport hubs forced the shutdown of Glasgow Central Station, leaving rail passengers stranded and bringing traffic in the city centre to a standstill.

The blaze broke out Sunday afternoon in a building on Union Street, just yards away from the station.

According to emergency services, the fire started inside a vape shop located on the ground floor of the historic structure.

Within hours, the flames intensified and spread through the building, ultimately causing its distinctive dome to collapse.

The sudden structural failure sent thick smoke billowing across the surrounding streets and prompted a major emergency response.

Historic Building Collapses After Intense Flames

The affected building, known as the Forsyth Building, dates back to 1851 and was designed by architect James Brown.

The Victorian-era structure predates the nearby railway station and has long been part of the historic streetscape in central Glasgow.

During the height of the fire, the structure’s upper dome gave way as flames tore through the building.

Although four floors of the structure remain standing, the collapse marked a significant loss for the city’s architectural heritage.

Fire crews spent hours battling the blaze, with more than 60 firefighters working to contain the flames.

Massive Emergency Response Across the City

The emergency call came in shortly before 4pm on Sunday.

In response, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deployed 15 fire engines along with specialized equipment.

Police officers and ambulance crews were also dispatched to the scene, as authorities quickly cordoned off nearby streets, including parts of Union Street and St Vincent Street.

Two firefighters operating from height appliances continued spraying water onto the damaged structure as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading further.

By early Monday morning, emergency services indicated that the fire was largely under control, although teams remained on site monitoring the situation.

Train Services Halted and Station Evacuated

As a precaution, rail officials closed Glasgow Central Station and evacuated nearby facilities, including the Voco Grand Central Hotel located inside the station complex.

Network Rail confirmed that all services in and out of the station had been suspended and that the transport hub would remain closed until at least Monday morning.

Passengers were advised to find alternative travel routes while rail operators assessed the situation.

Some travel flexibility has been introduced, allowing passengers from Avanti West Coast to use their tickets on services run by London North Eastern Railway between Edinburgh and London.

Witnesses Describe Dramatic Scenes

People in the area described the moment they realized the fire was spreading rapidly.

Yvonne Kelly, a 51-year-old resident from Rutherglen, said she first noticed smoke while walking along Buchanan Street.

She explained that as she moved closer to the scene, it became clear that the fire was serious and would likely cause major disruption across the city.

Another witness, Ryan Dawes, who works on Union Street, said he stepped outside during a break and saw people rushing past while thick black smoke filled the air.

Businesses Devastated by the Blaze

Local businesses operating inside the damaged building were also affected.

The coffee shop Sexy Coffee confirmed on social media that its premises had been destroyed in the fire.

In a heartfelt message, the business told customers it was “absolutely devastated” by the loss but promised the shop would eventually return.

Owners said they intend to rebuild, renovate, and reopen as soon as possible.

Political Reaction and Heritage Concerns

Local politician Paul Sweeney expressed sadness over the destruction of the building.

Posting on social media, he said seeing another historic structure damaged in the city made him feel “sick,” describing the incident as a significant blow to Union Street.

He also noted the collapse comes at a time when restoration plans are being discussed for nearby landmarks such as the Egyptian Halls.

Impact and Consequences

The fire triggered widespread disruption across Glasgow.

The shutdown of the city’s busiest railway station left thousands of passengers scrambling for alternative routes.

Traffic congestion also spread through the city centre as multiple streets were closed to allow emergency crews to work safely.

Residents nearby were advised by police to keep their windows closed due to the heavy smoke drifting across the area.

Although no casualties have been reported, the loss of a historic building and the closure of a major transport hub represent a significant blow for the city.

What’s Next?

Investigators are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the stability of the remaining structure.

Rail operators will continue inspecting the area surrounding Glasgow Central Station before allowing services to resume.

Authorities will also review the damage to nearby buildings and infrastructure to ensure the area is safe for the public.

Summary

A large fire that began in a vape shop on Union Street triggered a major emergency response in central Glasgow.

The blaze destroyed part of a historic Victorian building and forced the closure of Glasgow Central Station, bringing rail services and city centre traffic to a halt.

While firefighters eventually brought the flames under control, the incident has left businesses damaged, commuters disrupted, and heritage advocates mourning the loss of another historic structure.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Fire broke out in a vape shop near Glasgow Central Station on Union Street
• The historic Forsyth Building partially collapsed after flames spread through it
• More than 60 firefighters and 15 fire engines responded to the emergency
• The train station was evacuated and closed, halting all services
• Nearby streets and businesses were affected, including the destroyed café Sexy Coffee
• Witnesses described dramatic scenes with heavy smoke and panicked crowds
• Authorities reported no injuries while investigations into the cause continue