DRAMATIC images have emerged showing the devastation left by a massive rooftop blaze in Glasgow’s Merchant City.
A huge inferno broke out next to the House of Gods hotel, the Polo Lounge nightclub and the Revolver hotel yesterday evening.
A huge fire broke out in Glasgow’s Merchant City last night Credit: PA
Emergency crews scrambled to Virginia Street at the corner of Wilson Street and nearby Glassford Street at around 6.19pm.
Scores of firefighters were deployed to the scene alongside six appliances as the fire tore through the building.
Plumes of thick black smoke were seen billowing into the sky for miles as the building was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters have been working for over 17 hours to extinguish the massive blaze, with crews still currently at the scene.
Large flames were seen raging last night, causing the roof to collapse as crowds of shocked festive revellers watched.
Buildings close by were evacuated after flames were seen leaping from the building’s roof.
Firefighters on raised platforms were seen trying to tackle the flames as police sealed off surrounding streets.
Luckily, no one was hurt as a result of the fire.
And Scottish Fire and Rescue Service teams confirmed that everyone was accounted for after nearby buildings were evacuated.
But new aerial images from above the fire scene have now shown the devastation left behind.
One appliance is still at the scene, and it is working “to dampen down hot spots” alongside help from officers.
Fire and rescue chiefs have confirmed that the fire broke out on the fourth floor of the huge four-storey building.
But it is currently unclear exactly where the fire started, with the House of Gods hotel, the Polo Lounge nightclub, and the Revolver hotel all affected.
Homeless Project Scotland said its soup kitchen, which is also in the area, was evacuated as a precaution.
The massive blaze broke out less than two hours before revellers were due to attend a sold-out meet and greet with TV drag queen Bailey J Mills at the Polo Lounge.
An onlooker told The Scottish Sun: “We were at a Christmas carol concert a few doors down when we were told we had to get out.
“I could smell the smoke as soon as I got outside. The flames were shooting up into the sky.
“People were watching on horrified.
“Staff would likely have been in there getting ready for a big night. Polo Lounge was sold-out, and that hotel is always busy.”
A guest staying at a nearby hotel told The Scottish Sun: “When I arrived there were all these police cars and fire engines absolutely flying about.
“When I got up to my room all I could see was smoke and flames covering the top of the building.”
Another said: “Argyle Street was absolutely filled with smoke as the place was burning.
“The stench was everywhere.”
Glasgow Labour MP Paul Sweeney posted on Saturday on X: “Awful to see a fire break out in the roof of the Revolver Hotel and Polo Lounge.
“I hope no one is hurt and the fire can be contained.
“The old Scottish Legal Life Building by Alexander Skirving dates from 1889 and is one of Glasgow’s earliest red sandstone commercial buildings.”
THE founder of House of Gods issued a statement last night after the fire broke out and said the team "don't know" yet what the extent of the damage is to the building.
But they claimed that the fire originated in the building next to them.
Mike Baxter, the founder of House of Gods, said: “As many of you will be aware there has been a serious fire incident in the property next door to House of Gods, Glasgow.
“First and foremost — everyone on our side is safe and we’ve been informed that the fire is now contained.
“Emergency services attended immediately and were incredibly grateful for their swift response.
“Our team acted with exceptional professionalism and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved and thank our guests affected for their understanding.
“What we don’t know is the extent of any damage to House of Gods, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will share updates when they become available.
“We at this time have no information regarding the situation next door and our thoughts are with them.”
He later praised the work of firefighters, saying: “Heroic work by these firefighters who have successfully contained a blaze that looked like it was on the brink of consuming one of Glasgow’s finest Victorian commercial buildings. Thank you!”
House of Gods opened in March 2024, and has around 28 rooms and suites as well as a roof terrace.
Polo Lounge is one of the country’s leading LGBTQ+ venues and has been based in the city’s Wilson Street for the last 30 years.
And the Revolver Hotel has been known as one of the most friendly LGBTQ+ hotels since it opened directly above the Polo Lounge in August 2022.
It is understood that the fire is currently not being treated as wilful at the moment.
But the SFRS has confirmed that an investigation will be launched in the coming days to find out the cause of the fire.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.19pm on Saturday, 27 December to reports of a fire within a commercial premises on Virginia Street, Glasgow.
“Operations Control mobilised six appliances to the scene and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the fourth floor of a four-storey building.
“Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated at the height of the fire as a precautionary measure, and all persons were accounted for.
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