'Explosions' heard as car catches fire in Edinburgh's Thistle Street Member of the public reported hearing explosions after a car caught fire in Edinburgh city centre. Crews were called to the vehicle on the corner of Thistle Street and Hanover Street at 9.20am on Thursday. Members of the public reported hearing explosions as the flames took hold of the car. Firefighters put the flames out before making sure the vehicle was safe and clearing the debris from the road. Hanover Street was closed between Queen Street and Thistle Street as emergency services dealt with the blaze. Smoke gathered in Thistle Street - Jamie Stevenson. The car after the fire was put out - Billy Partridge. Video footage on the story was filmed by Michael Phair. Used with permission. It features sound from the scene of the fire only.