More than 40 firefighters were called out after a fire at a bar in central Glasgow, with nine fire engines in attendance on Sunday evening. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted just after 14:40.
City centre streets cordoned off
Images from the scene showed parts of Renfield Street and West Regent Street cordoned off, with a number of fire crews gathered outside both the Bistro and Maltman bars. Some streets were closed and the public were advised to avoid the area.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said nine appliances were in attendance. Fire engines could be seen parked in a city centre street with firefighters standing beside them while crews worked at what appears to have been an upper-floor of the affected premises, consistent with images showing smoke in that part of the building.
No casualties reported
There were no reports of casualties. That is the significant detail in a city centre fire of this scale, with late-evening crowds in the surrounding streets and two bars in close proximity. The response, involving more than 40 personnel and nine appliances, was one of the larger turnouts the city centre sees for a commercial building fire.
Why it matters
Glasgow’s city centre nightlife cluster on Renfield Street and West Regent Street is among the busiest hospitality areas in Scotland, with late-night venues operating into the early hours. A fire in that location raises obvious questions about fire safety compliance, escape routes and licensing conditions at venues that trade well past midnight.
What happens next
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will investigate the cause of the fire, with a determination expected in due course. The affected venues face inspection and reinstatement work before they can reopen, and the surrounding streets will stay restricted until the scene is cleared. Anyone who was in the area and needs to report a concern should do so through Police Scotland, while any injury claims should go through the relevant NHS board.
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