Vape Shop Fire Destroys Historic Glasgow Building, Forces Closure of Scotland's Busiest Station

A large fire began in a vape shop on Union Street in central Glasgow on Sunday afternoon and spread, gutting an adjacent four-storey historic commercial building beside Glasgow Central station.

“Based on facts observed and directly verified by our journalists or informed sources”

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The blaze caused part of the structure to collapse and prompted the closure of Scotland’s busiest rail terminal.

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Multiple outlets reported the fire started at about 3:45–3:46 p.m. and rapidly escalated, with thick smoke and flames filling window frames and shooting from the dome-capped roof of the Victorian-era building.

Authorities said there were no reported casualties so far.

Firefighters mounted a major response, mobilising dozens of crews and multiple specialist appliances and high-reach vehicles to tackle flames that burned for many hours.

Journalists and officials described more than 60 firefighters and upwards of 15–18 appliances involved at the height of the response.

ABC

Some reports said crews even pumped water from the River Clyde to help fight the blaze.

Firefighters remained on site into the early hours to extinguish hotspots and assess structural safety.

The incident forced Glasgow Central to close and caused widespread rail disruption across services to, from and through the hub.

“The building, which dates to 1851, collapsed as it burned through the night, leaving only the facade standing”

Associated Press News

National and local operators warned of substantial delays, cancellations and amended timetables, with some routes suspended or rerouted and no estimate for when the station would reopen; several outlets said the station was unlikely to reopen before Tuesday and would remain closed "until further notice."

Passengers were advised to seek alternative travel arrangements and to check with operators for updates.

The blaze caused significant damage to the listed Victorian building and destroyed multiple ground-floor businesses.

Reports described the building's dome burning away and part of the structure collapsing.

BBC News

Owners of affected shops, named in several outlets, said they were devastated and pledged to rebuild.

Coverage listed specific businesses damaged or destroyed, including the nearby Sexy Coffee and other ground-floor retailers.

The loss was described as a blow to plans to restore historic Union Street properties.

Authorities and witnesses pointed to possible causes and launched inquiries while urging caution about unverified footage.

“in an e-cigarette shop on the ground floor of the four-story building on Union Street”

BFMTV

An MSP suggested lithium batteries from vaping devices may have been involved, though officials did not confirm a cause.

BFMTV

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney thanked emergency crews and urged people to avoid the area.

Police established cordons and nearby hotels and businesses were evacuated, while residents were asked to keep windows closed because of smoke.

Officials warned that some viral video clips circulating online were misleading or AI-generated.