The Forsyth building, a significant historical structure dating back to 1851, has been a notable part of Glasgow’s architectural heritage. However, on March 9, 2026, a large fire erupted in a vape shop located on Union Street, leading to catastrophic damage.
Breaking Development
The fire quickly spread, gutting the Forsyth building and resulting in the collapse of its iconic dome by late evening. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, believed to be caused by lithium batteries from vape devices, which contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire.
As a result of the incident, Glasgow Central Station remains closed for at least two days, with Network Rail confirming that all services to and from the station are currently suspended. This closure has also impacted the Central hotel, affecting the Glasgow film festival’s closing night.
John Swinney expressed his deep concern regarding the fire, stating, “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding.” Meanwhile, local politician Paul Sweeney raised alarms about the implications of the fire, questioning, “How could a vape shop destroy 175 years of Glasgow’s heritage and numerous small businesses in a matter of 12 hours?” He also highlighted the vulnerability of historic buildings to such fires, stating, “It raises questions about the vulnerability of historic buildings to such lithium fires.”
Next Steps
In the aftermath of the fire, the Scottish fire and rescue service deployed 18 appliances and specialist vehicles to the scene to manage the situation. Observers are now looking to officials for updates on recovery efforts and the future of the Forsyth building, as the community grapples with the loss of a significant piece of its heritage. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for reopening the station.
