Small pockets of fire are still burning at the Primark Bank Buildings store and there has been ‘structural collapse’ within the building.
A 45 meter exclusion zone remains in place, according to the Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service.
Operations are expected to be scaled back to three fire appliances later this evening (Wednesday).
The exterior of the building remains structurally intact.
Firefighters are continuing to work closely with engineers from Belfast City Council to determine the structural integrity and safety of the building.
NIFRS says once this has been completed, an investigation will begin into the cause of the fire.
“In conjunction with our partners in Belfast City Council and the PSNI we have been facilitating escorted access for business owners in the local area who are affected by the incident to enable them to access and secure their properties.
“It is anticipated that fire crews will remain at the scene overnight and into tomorrow,” said a NIFRS spokesperson.
Staff have been told their jobs are safe.
Meanwhile, Padlock Security, as a goodwill gesture, has offered to provide keys for free to Primark staff who have lost personal belongings, including house keys.
Primark Staff @PadLockBelfast heard many of you lost personal belongings including bags and house keys during the evacuation. We will gain entry for free to all Primark staff who suffered from this fire and provide keys! @coolfm @goQradio @U105radio @bbcradioulster @BBCNewsNI
— Pad Lock Security (@PadLockBelfast) August 29, 2018
