Explosion heard inside UK hotel as fire ravages building

A fire in Scotland has engulfed one of Ayr's most iconic buildings is this evening after a fire broke out at the Station Hotel.

Huge flames can be seen licking up the tallest parts of the famous old building. The white sheets wrapped around the structure have also started melting.

A total of 13 appliances were sent to the scene along with multiple firefighters to battle the flames. Firefighters are tackling the inferno from above as they try to control the rapidly spreading blaze.

A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue earlier said: "We were called at 5.37pm to reports of a fire at the Station Hotel, on Smith Street. We received a further 67 calls regarding the fire. We currently have 13 appliances at the scene."

A crowd of around 100 were stood in 'total silence' and 'shocked' as they watched the Victorian hotel burn down in front of them. Around 8pm, the roof collapsed as the old clock tower was destroyed by the fire.

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Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown urged to public tonight to stay away from the scene while the roads surrounding the hotel have also been closed due to the ongoing emergency. ScotRail has since put a replacement bus services in place following the breakout and the train operator said that services would not be able to stop in Ayr "until it is safe to do so".

While a witness at the scene, Stuart Wilson, described hearing a loud explosion coming from the building. He said: “It is really serious, there will be very little left of this building after tonight. It sounds like the floors are just collapsing, you kept hearing a loud crashing noise."

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said just after 9pm that no casualties have been reported as a result of the fire at the hotel. In addition, it confirmed that 15 fire crews were now at the scene and residents have been urged to close windows and doors as a precaution.

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are fighting the fire at the former Station Hotel. We will be guided by them in terms of public safety.

"The council will assess the structural integrity of the building when the fire has been extinguished."