Dalry Road Coffee Shop Fire Edinburgh: A Detailed Look

On April 29, 2025, a fire broke out at a beloved coffee shop on Dalry Road in Edinburgh, sending shockwaves through the local community. Roasters Coffee Shop, a fixture in the area for over a decade, became the scene of a dramatic emergency response as firefighters battled to extinguish the flames. The incident disrupted daily life on one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, leaving residents, business owners, and loyal customers with questions about what happened and what comes next.

In this in-depth article, we’ll take you through everything we know about the Dalry Road coffee shop fire. From the moment the blaze began to the ongoing investigation and the community’s response, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore the history of the coffee shop, its significance to the Dalry Road area, and how this event fits into the broader picture of fire safety in Edinburgh. Whether you’re a local looking for answers or simply curious about this headline-making incident, read on for a detailed, easy-to-follow breakdown.

What Happened on Dalry Road?

The Day of the Fire

Picture this: it’s a typical Tuesday morning on Dalry Road, one of Edinburgh’s lively streets filled with shops, cafés, and morning commuters. At Roasters Coffee Shop, regulars are likely sipping their lattes, catching up with friends, or grabbing a quick takeaway before work. Then, just after 9 a.m. on April 29, 2025, everything changes. Smoke begins pouring from the building, flames flicker through the windows, and panic sets in as people rush to safety.

The fire at Roasters Coffee Shop wasn’t just a small incident it quickly escalated into a full-blown emergency. Within minutes, the street was cordoned off, and the sound of sirens filled the air as firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze. For the residents and workers of Dalry Road, it was a moment of disbelief. How could a place so familiar, so ingrained in daily life, suddenly become the center of such chaos?

Timeline of Events

To help you get a clear picture of how things unfolded, here’s a detailed timeline of the Dalry Road coffee shop fire:

• 9:00 a.m.: The first signs of trouble appear. Eyewitnesses report seeing smoke rising from Roasters Coffee Shop, followed by visible flames.

• 9:10 a.m.: Customers and staff evacuate the building as the fire begins to spread. Nearby businesses start noticing the commotion.

• 9:16 a.m.: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) receives an emergency call and dispatches crews to the scene.

• 9:25 a.m.: Firefighters arrive on Dalry Road with three height appliances and one high-reach appliance. A cordon is established, closing the street to traffic.

• 10:00 a.m.: The fire is brought under control, though thick smoke continues to linger in the area.

• 11:30 a.m.: Crews finish extinguishing the blaze and begin assessing the damage. The cordon remains in place as investigations start.

• 12:00 p.m.: Dalry Road reopens to traffic, but the coffee shop remains off-limits as emergency services wrap up their initial response.

This timeline shows just how quickly the situation unfolded and how efficiently the emergency teams worked to contain it. But what exactly did that response look like? Let’s dive into the details.

Emergency Response: How the Fire Was Tackled

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Action

When the call came in at 9:16 a.m., the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service didn’t waste a second. Within minutes, firefighters were on the scene, equipped with the tools and expertise needed to handle a fire in a busy urban area. Dalry Road’s location surrounded by other buildings and bustling with morning activity made this a challenging operation, but the SFRS rose to the occasion.

A spokesperson for the SFRS later confirmed the scale of the response: “We can confirm we are in attendance at a property on Dalry Road. Three height appliances and a high-reach appliance are in attendance. We received a call out at 9:16 a.m. Crews will be leaving the scene shortly.” This brief statement doesn’t capture the full intensity of the moment, but it gives us a glimpse into the resources deployed.

Equipment and Techniques Used

So, what does it take to put out a fire like this? Here’s a breakdown of the equipment and methods the firefighters likely used:

• Height Appliances: These are specialized fire engines designed to reach higher levels of buildings. Given that Roasters Coffee Shop is in a multi-story structure, these were crucial for tackling the fire from above.

• High-Reach Appliance: Often a ladder or aerial platform, this allowed firefighters to access the roof or upper windows, ensuring no part of the blaze was out of reach.

• Hose Reel Jets: These powerful water jets were used to douse the flames directly, targeting hotspots inside the coffee shop.

The combination of these tools, along with the firefighters’ training, meant the fire was contained relatively quickly within about an hour of their arrival. No small feat, considering the potential for the fire to spread to neighboring buildings.

The Impact on Dalry Road and Beyond

Eyewitness Stories

For those who were there, the fire was a surreal experience. Here’s what some eyewitnesses had to say:

• Local Resident, Sarah: “I was just walking my dog when I saw the smoke. At first, I thought it was someone burning something in their garden, but then I saw the flames. It was awful Roasters is such a big part of our daily routine.”

• Shop Worker, Jamie: “I work at the bakery next door, and we had to shut down for the morning. The smoke was so thick you couldn’t see across the street. Everyone was just standing around, watching in shock.”

These firsthand accounts paint a vivid picture of the chaos and concern that swept through Dalry Road that morning.

Disruptions to Traffic and Local Businesses

The fire didn’t just affect Roasters it had a ripple effect across the area. Here’s how:

• Traffic Chaos: With Dalry Road closed for over two hours, drivers faced delays and detours. Buses were rerouted, and commuters had to find alternative ways to get around.

• Business Closures: Nearby shops and cafés saw a drop in customers as people avoided the cordoned-off area. Some businesses, like the bakery next door, closed temporarily due to smoke and safety concerns.

For a street that thrives on its vibrant mix of shops and eateries, this was a significant disruption. But the real question on everyone’s mind was: what started the fire in the first place?

What Caused the Fire? Investigation Updates

Early Theories

As the smoke cleared and firefighters left the scene, attention turned to the cause of the blaze. While it’s too early for definitive answers, a few possibilities have emerged based on initial observations:

• Electrical Fault: Old wiring or a malfunctioning appliance could have sparked the fire, especially in a building over 100 years old.

• Kitchen Mishap: With Roasters being a coffee shop, the kitchen full of ovens, coffee machines, and other equipment might have been the starting point.

• Accidental Ignition: A dropped cigarette, an unattended candle, or another small oversight could have set things off.

These are just theories for now, but they give investigators a starting point as they dig deeper.

The Investigation Process

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, working alongside Police Scotland, has launched a full investigation into the fire. Here’s what that process involves:

1. Scene Examination: Fire investigators comb through the wreckage, looking for burn patterns, damaged equipment, or other clues.

2. Witness Interviews: Eyewitnesses and staff are questioned to piece together the moments leading up to the fire.

3. Evidence Collection: Samples of debris are taken to test for accelerants or other signs of foul play.

4. Report Compilation: Once all the data is gathered, a detailed report will outline the likely cause.

As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with updates expected in the coming weeks. For the owners and customers of Roasters, the answers can’t come soon enough.

Roasters Coffee Shop: A Community Staple

A Brief History

Roasters Coffee Shop wasn’t just another café it was a cornerstone of Dalry Road. Since opening its doors in 2012, it had built a reputation for serving up some of the best coffee in Edinburgh, roasted locally and paired with homemade pastries. The cozy interior, with its wooden tables and warm lighting, made it a go-to spot for everyone from students to retirees.

• Founded: 2012

• Signature Offerings: Freshly roasted coffee, scones, and a killer breakfast menu

• Vibe: Welcoming, laid-back, and community-focused

Over the years, Roasters became more than a place to eat it was where friendships were forged, ideas were shared, and the rhythm of daily life played out.

Why It Matters to Edinburgh

In a city known for its historic charm and modern energy, Roasters stood out as a symbol of local pride. It wasn’t a chain or a tourist trap it was a homegrown business that reflected the spirit of Dalry Road. Its loss, even if temporary, leaves a gap that’s hard to fill.

Fire Safety in Edinburgh: Lessons and Context

Other Recent Fires in the City

The Dalry Road fire isn’t an isolated event. Edinburgh has seen its share of blazes in 2025, each shedding light on the challenges of fire safety in an old city. Here’s a quick look at some recent incidents:

Table 1: Recent Fires in Edinburgh (2025)

These incidents highlight a range of causes, from electrical issues to deliberate acts, showing that fire risks can come from many sources.

Regulations and Challenges

Scotland has strict fire safety laws, like the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, which require businesses to maintain safe premises. But older buildings like the one housing Roasters can pose unique challenges, such as outdated wiring or limited escape routes. Balancing historic preservation with modern safety standards is no easy task.

The Road to Recovery

Plans for Rebuilding

The good news? The owners of Roasters are determined to bring the coffee shop back to life. While the fire caused extensive damage to the interior, the building’s structure is still sound. They’re working with insurance providers and local authorities to assess the costs and timeline for rebuilding.

How the Community Is Stepping Up

The Dalry Road community isn’t sitting back they’re pitching in to help. A crowdfunding campaign has raised thousands of pounds, and neighboring businesses are offering support, from temporary space for staff to discounted supplies.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What caused the Dalry Road coffee shop fire?

The cause is still under investigation, with possible culprits including an electrical fault or kitchen equipment failure.

Were there any injuries in the Dalry Road coffee shop fire?

No injuries were reported. Everyone evacuated safely, and firefighters contained the blaze without incident.

Will Roasters Coffee Shop reopen after the fire?

The owners plan to rebuild and reopen, though no exact date has been set.

Final Thoughts

The Dalry Road coffee shop fire was a wake-up call for Edinburgh a reminder of how quickly life can change, even in the most familiar places. As the investigation continues and recovery efforts take shape, one thing is clear: the spirit of Roasters and its community will endure.