Fire crews were spotted dousing the hot spots within the building which used to house Levis and River Island.

Firefighters at the scene on Princes Street in Edinburgh(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have released an updates statement. It said: "We were called at 2.52am on Thursday, 9 July, to reports of a fire within a former department store building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

"Operations Control mobilised six appliances and two height appliances plus supporting resources to the scene and firefighters worked through the early hours of the morning the contain and extinguish the flames.

"Crews continue to extinguish and dampen down hotspots and will be in attendance for some time.

"Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.

"There are no reported casualties"

An Edinburgh worker reported smelling smoke from North Bridge as they made their way to the office this morning - once they arrived at the site, they witnessed height appliances continue to spray the building as well as the site next door.

They said: “They've cordoned off pretty much the whole of Princes Street and as soon as I crossed North Bridge I could smell the smoke from the building - even St Andrew Square was filled with smoke.

"They have two high reach appliances dousing the building with water as it’s still smouldering and dozens of people have gathered in Princes Street Garden to watch it developing.

"It's pretty clear the whole building has been destroyed with ceilings collapsed and windows smashed. Inside the whole building just looks black.

"It's such a shame for a historic building right in the middle of the city”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Road closures are in place following a fire at a disused building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

"Officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue around 3.05am on Thursday, 9 July, 2026. There are no reported injuries.

"Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street remain closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible at this time.

"Emergency services remain in attendance and enquiries are ongoing."

Daylight shows the extent of the damage as fire crews are still working to dampen the building on Princes Street. Flames gutted the top floors of the old department store in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters at the scene(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

The historic building has been gutted(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Fire crews on Princes Street(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Local residents reported being woken up by the smell of smoke travelling across the city in the early hours of the morning.

One local posted on social media: "The smell is really strong in Craigentinny."

Another added: "Wondering why I smelt fire when I woke up."

Fire crews are still tackling a blaze at a building on Princes Street in Edinburgh after emergency services were called at 2.52am on Thursday.

The fire has broken out on the upper floors of the old Debenhams building in the city centre which is currently home to a Levi’s store and a River Island.

Images and videos posted on social media showed flames leaping into the night sky and plumes of smoke rising over the city centre as crews battled the fire.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service told the Mirror this morning that seven appliances had been dispatched to the scene and three specialist appliances.

There is no word yet on the cause of the blaze and no information has been given on any casualties from the fire.

There is disruption to local tram and bus services as the roads around the fire have been closed for emergency services to work at the scene.

Dramatic pictures from the scene show fire crews battling the flames earlier this morning in the upper floors of a building on Princes Street in central Edinburgh.

Crowds gathered on Princes Street(Image: Reddit)

The upper floors on fire(Image: dillonlaingdj/Instagram)

The blaze is thought to have taken hold on the upper floors of number 109 Princes Street. The floors above street level appear to have been completely gutted by flames. The retail units facing onto the busy shopping street are home to a Levi's store and previously a River Island.

The fire service has said there is no word yet as to the cause of the fire and there has been no information given on any casualties.

Images shared on social media show smoke and flames rising high into the air over central Edinburgh this morning as firefighters battle to get the flames under control.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has told the Mirror this morning that the fire on Princes Street is still being brought under control. They said there are currently seven appliances at the scene and three specialist appliances.

There is no word yet on the cause of the blaze and no information has been given on any casualties from the fire.

Footage captured on Princes Street earlier shows flames leaping from the windows of a building as fire crews douse the property with water in an effort to get the blaze under control.

Edinburgh Trams are running for part of the service.

A spokesperson said: "Due to a incident on Princes Street, Trams are Part Route from Edinburgh Airport - West End only.

"Ticket acceptance is in place with Scot Rail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian buses services between West End and Newhaven. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to your journey this morning."

According to local residents the smell of smoke can be smelt for miles.

One social media user said: "The smell is really strong in Craigentinny."

Another addded: "Wondering why I smelt fire when I woke up."

Princes Street is closed due to the blaze, with emergency services still on scene tackling the flames.

Lothian Buses said: “Due to a road closure buses are unable to serve Princes Street and are instead diverted via South Charlotte Street, George Street and South St David Street in both directions until further notice."

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters continue to work to tackle the blaze.

The blaze has taken hold of a historic building on Princes Street, the Scottish capital's main shopping street.

The building is reportedly just a few doors down from Jenners department store, which was gutted by a fire in 2023.

The street is also nearby to Edinburgh's iconic castle.

The fire has broken out on Princes Street(Image: Google )

Scottish Citylink have confirmed services in the area have been cancelled.

The operator posted on social media: "Due to a building fire, Princes Street in Edinburgh is currently closed at the moment and is unable to be served.

"Next alternatives stops are either the Bus Station or Shandwick place."