A kitchen fire in a ground-floor flat on Longstone Road has forced traffic restrictions and bus diversions while emergency crews manage the scene
The west Edinburgh neighbourhood of Longstone experienced significant disruption after a kitchen fire was reported in a ground-floor flat. The incident was first logged at around 4.11pm (16.11) on Thursday August 30, and emergency services quickly attended the scene.
As crews worked, the carriageway was reduced to single-file traffic, creating delays on approaches to the affected stretch between Calder Road and Murrayburn Road. Local traffic feeds and official updates continued to report the situation as ongoing into the evening.
What happened at the scene
According to statements from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the blaze started within the kitchen of the ground-floor flat and drew multiple units to Longstone Road. Two firefighting appliances — commonly understood as fire engines — remained at the location while a dispatched height appliance (an aerial ladder unit) was sent but then left the scene shortly afterwards.
Police Scotland also stayed at the scene to assist with safety and traffic management. Authorities have not publicly expanded on the severity of the fire, though crews continued to monitor the property while managing access to the road.
Traffic impact and travel updates
Traffic on Longstone Road was constrained to a single running lane, which led to noticeable hold-ups. Local travel services, including the City of Edinburgh Council travel feed and Edinburgh Travel News, warned of delays on all approaches and advised road users that single-file movement was permitted past the incident. The AA Route Planner also flagged the location, registering a partial blockage and reporting that the route was busy but moving. Drivers were urged to expect slower progress and plan alternate routes if possible.
Public transport changes
Several bus services were affected by the road restrictions. A Lothian Buses spokesperson confirmed that vehicles could not serve Longstone Road or Calder Road while the closure remained in place. Routes including the 30, 34 and 36 were diverted via Murrayburn Road and Wester Hailes Road in both directions until further notice. Passengers were advised to allow extra time for journeys and to consult operator notices for revised stops during the disruption.
Emergency response and official communications
Responders maintained a visible presence while assessments and mitigation measures were carried out. The SFRS issued a brief account of the call, noting the exact time — 16.11pm on Thursday August 30 — and the number of units on scene. Police officers helped control traffic flow and ensure public safety around the affected property. Travel monitoring accounts used social platforms to relay live conditions, with updates confirming that traffic was being managed and that emergency services remained active at the scene.
Practical advice for local road users
Alternate routes and timing
Commuters travelling through the area were recommended to reroute where possible to avoid the stretch between Calder Road and Murrayburn Road. Those relying on buses were encouraged to check Lothian Buses service alerts for the latest diversions and temporary stop changes. Road users should treat the area with caution, adhere to instructions from Police Scotland, and expect lingering congestion even after the immediate incident is resolved.
Officials did not provide further details about injuries or the cause of the kitchen fire while crews worked at the scene. Residents and commuters can expect follow-up bulletins from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local travel channels once the situation is fully cleared and normal traffic flow resumes.
