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Streets in Glasgow city centre were sealed off as firefighters tackled a huge blaze at an electrical substation, with a H&M store evacuated
Image: Steve Welsh)
Firefighters tackled a huge blaze in Glasgow city centre this evening, leading to the evacuation of a nearby H&M store.
Witnesses reported hearing 'explosions' as fire crews were called at around 4.30pm. The blaze broke out at an electrical substation.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said eight appliances were sent to the scene on Glasgow's West Nile Street. People were advised to avoid the area.
22:14 - Fire extinguished
The fire at an electrical substation in Glasgow which led to road closures and a store evacuation has been extinguished.
At the height of the incident more than 50 firefighters were at the scene, with eight fire engines, a high reach appliance and a command support unit there.
The last fire engine left the scene at around 9.40pm on Saturday.
Some roads were closed while emergency services dealt with the incident but later reopened.
21:21 - 'Smoke could be seen streets away'
An eyewitness told how smoke could be seen "streets away" from the blaze in Glasgow.
They told the Daily Record: "Smoke could be seen a few streets away from the fire.
"Police and fire were on scene quickly and had cordon in place.
"Smoke appeared at first to be coming from an underground carpark or storage area."
19:48 - 'It sounded like fireworks'
A resident on West Nile Street told The Sun: “There was a lot of loud banging. It sounded almost like fireworks.
“There were flashes coming from the shutter.
“The fire brigade came into my building and asked us to evacuate. Luckily they came on time. It’s a bit concerning.”
19:46 - Fire crews working to contain the blaze
An SFRS spokesperson said: "There are no reported casualties after a full building evacuation being carried out.
"Members of the public are asked to keep away from the area and nearby residents advised to close windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation."
19:43 - Roads closed due to fire
West Nile Street was closed between Bath Street and West George Street due to the fire, while West Regent Street was shut between Renfield Street and West Nile Street.
Eight fire engines, a high reach appliance and a command support unit were at the scene on Saturday evening.
There are no reports of any injuries.
19:42 - H&M store evacuated
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said an H&M store on nearby Buchanan Street was evacuated earlier today.
Reports suggest the blaze started at an electrical sub station.
19:39 - Police issue statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “West Nile Street in Glasgow is closed from Renfield Street to Bath Street after a fire was reported at a premises in West Nile Street around 4.35pm on Saturday, 15 November, 2025. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.”