Fire crews set to remain on Princes Street for 'quite a considerable time' according to fire chief

Firefighters will remain at a building on Princes Street which has been destroyed by a huge blaze for “quite a considerable time”, a fire chief has said.

The update comes 12 hours after a blaze ripped through the upper floors of a building on the major thoroughfare.

Deputy assistant chief officer Willie Pollard said that the fire had now been brought “well under control” but that crews remained to dampen down hot spots.

Speaking at the scene, Mr Pollard said: “As you can see behind me, there’s been significant damage done to the building.

“The fire has been put well under control. At the minute we’re dampening down any hot spots or any residual burning that may be in the building.

“The fire has been quite significant, as you can see, and we will be in attendance for quite a considerable time moving forward.

“And we understand the disruption that will have to the local community.”

Fire crews continue to dampen down hot spots at the scene on Princes Street | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

He thanked crews who worked “tirelessly” to bring the fire under control.

The fire saw 10 people evacuated from a property in Rose Street South Lane, and Mr Pollard urged anyone living nearby to keep windows and doors closed.

There has been no confirmation as to what caused the fire, but an investigation, which involves Police Scotland, has been under way throughout the day, according to Mr Pollard.

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The latest update comes as Princes Street and the surrounding area remain closed to pedestrians and vehicles. Castle Street and Frederick Street have also been closed by police.

There has been no confirmation as to when the roads will re-open.