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Fire Crews to Remain on Princes Street for some Time After Building Gutted
Police Scotland is investigating the cause after the blaze destroyed the roof and top two floors of the disused B-listed building, officials said.
- On Thursday, July 9, 2026, a massive fire gutted the former Debenhams building on Princes Street in Edinburgh, destroying the roof and top floors after emergency services were called at 2.52am.
- Criterion Capital acquired the historic 1869 site, formerly the Palace Hotel, planning to create a Zedwell hotel featuring 328 bedrooms and 345 capsules with retail on the ground floor.
- Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances responded to the blaze, with Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Willie Pollard describing efforts as "well under control" by Friday, dampening hot spots.
- Police Scotland confirmed no injuries, though transport diversions affecting 35 bus services remain in place across Rose Street, Frederick Street, and Castle Street.
- City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher is prioritizing structural safety assessments before access resumes, as a joint investigation into the cause continues with the site deemed not safe for entry.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
The Independent+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Edinburgh faces second day of disruption after Princes Street fire
The building at the site of the old Debenhams department store suffered ‘significant damage’.
·London, United Kingdom
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Evening StandardReposted by 
enfieldindependent.co.uk
enfieldindependent.co.ukFire crews to remain on Princes Street for some time after building gutted
A blaze broke out at the former Debenhams store on Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare in the early hours of Thursday.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Left
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Left
70% Left
L 70%
C 30%
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