The incident is now being investigated by the fire service and Police Scotland.
Firefighters have left the scene of a blaze on Princes Street in Edinburgh which gutted a historic building, however the road remains closed while an investigation takes place.
After the blaze was extinguished on Thursday, firefighters departed the scene at around 8.15am on Friday.
The site of the fire remains under the control of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, who are investigating the cause of the incident.
It is understood any decision to reopen Princes Street to traffic can only be taken after the city council’s building standards department has assessed the safety of the remaining structure.
This would take place after the emergency services have handed the site over to the local authority, which may need to decide if any demolition work is required.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building, which was previously part of the Debenhams department store, have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
A fire service spokesperson said: “We have now left the scene of a fire within a former retail building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.
“We were alerted to the incident at 2.52am on Thursday. At its height, around 50 firefighters, six fire appliances, two high-reach appliances and additional specialist resources were mobilised.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 8.15am on Friday July 10.
“A joint investigation with Police Scotland into the cause of the fire is now under way.”
On Princes Street on Friday, Edinburgh residents spoke of their sadness and frustration at the loss of one of the city’s historic buildings.
Ben Black, 21, told the Press Association: “It’s a tragedy every time an old building is lost.
“It’s like a bit of the patchwork of the history of the city.
“Another visible reminder of how old the city is, is gone. And for what?”
James Boyd, 27, said: “It’s really horrible, especially after the (fire) in Glasgow as well, at Glasgow Central.”
Castle Street, Frederick Street and Rose Street North Lane were reopened at about 8.30pm on Thursday but the surrounding area of Princes Street remains closed, along with Rose Street and Rose Street South Lane.
As a result, tram services in the area and some bus services continue to be disrupted.
Lothian Buses said that due to a road closure, buses are unable to serve Shandwick Place, Princes Street and Waterloo Place and are instead diverted via Morrison Link, West Approach Road and terminating at the Exchange until further notice.
Edinburgh Trams said trams are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only.
It said ticket acceptance is in place with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Park to Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven.
Police Scotland said on Thursday night that firefighters and officers could not go into the building because it is deemed not safe to enter.
Members of the public were advised to continue avoiding the area and to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
