Massive Blaze Erupts at Historic Jenners Store in Edinburgh
Firefighters, police, and paramedics rushed to the former Jenners department store on Rose Street at around 11:30 a.m. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deployed a huge response with 22 fire engines as the fire was already well-established on arrival.
Surrounding Area Shut Down Amid Thick Smoke
Flames and smoke poured from the basement, forcing the closure of nearby Marks & Spencer and the Mercure Hotel on Princes Street. Lothian Buses quickly diverted some of its routes to avoid the chaos. A police cordon sealed off St Andrew Square, and local office staff were evacuated as a safety precaution.
Five Firefighters Injured, One Critical
The Fire Brigades Union confirmed injuries among their ranks. “Five firefighters have been treated at the scene or hospital, with one in critical condition,” a spokesperson revealed. However, there are officially no civilian casualties.
Jenners: A Tragic Fire Strikes a Historic Landmark
Jenners, one of the world’s oldest department stores until its 2021 closure, is housed in an A-listed building dating back to 1895. That structure itself was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original. Now, history appears to be repeating itself as crews battle this fierce blaze.
