A historic church, built in 1843, suffered extensive damage in a fire that swept through it overnight. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to the blaze at Pollokshaws Parish Church on Shawbridge Street in Glasgow early on Sunday morning. Firefighters arrived before 3am and worked to contain the flames that have ravaged the 182-year-old church, causing a section of the structure to collapse.
Initially, two fire engines were dispatched, but a third was called in due to the intensity of the fire. As of late morning, the SFRS was still present at the site, with Shawbridge Street closed off and nearby flats evacuated as a precaution. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries.
Firefighters battled the blaze from outside the church to prevent further structural damage, and it is yet to be confirmed if the fire has been completely extinguished. A high-reach appliance and three other fire engines remain on the scene.
The fire has left the wooden framework of the church roof charred, with the interior visibly blackened, as documented by Glasgow Live. Councillor Sean Ferguson expressed his sorrow over the incident and pledged to coordinate with the authorities for updates on the situation.
Numerous individuals have taken to social media to express their grief over the loss of the church. Many reminisced about personal connections to the church and lamented the destruction of a significant local landmark. The community mourns the loss of the historic building and its cultural significance.