News / News Wire

Live: Fire breaks out in the city centre

By Bristol24/7  Monday Oct 12, 2015


 
A major fire has broken out in Bristol University student accommodation on Colston Street.
 
More than 40 firefighters are currently dealing with the blaze, believed to have started in a kitchen, with smoke visible across the city centre as flames lick the rooftops of the building, with debris falling to the road below.
 
Nobody is thought to have been inside the building and there are no reports of any injuries.
 
5.04pm
Students who lived at 33 Colston Street are set to receive a meal this evening at the Hawthorns, another university hall of residence. Students are also reportedly receiving clothes and vouchers to spend at Tesco and Primark.
 
4.37pm
Colston Hall confirms that the Editors and Simone Felice gigs scheduled for tonight will still go on.
4.35pm
Surrounding streets remain closed as damping down continues.



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4.10pm
Avon Fire & Rescue confirm that their crews will remain on Colston Street for several hours.
 
4.09pm
It’s still a bit smoky at the scene.



3.55pm
Bristol Students’ Union offers help for those affected.

3.51pm

A Bristol University spokeswoman confirmed that students have been evacuated from the building. She said: “Students resident in the building will be re-housed and supported through the process. We will be working with Avon Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire.”
 
3.43pm
Smoke continues to drift across the city.

 
3.27pm
The blaze seems to be under control as the smoke begins to clear.


 3.16pm

Avon Fire and Rescue continue to do their utmost to subdue the fire.



3.06pm
Huge amounts of smoke continue to billow from the halls.



3.05pm
Although the exact cause is unknown, initial calls to the Avon Fire & Rescue Service control room suggest it started in a kitchen. Students effected 

by the blaze are being rehoused by Bristol University and Bristol City Council. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area during the rush hour while firefighting operations continue.

 
3pm
Here are two videos from the scene:
 
2.53pm
The roof has been completely consumed by the fire.

2.50pm
Crowds still gathering as fire continues.
 
2.33pm
Firefighters are tackling the blaze from the other side of the road. In the picture below the tour buses of indie band Editors can be seen – they are due to play at the Colston Hall tonight.

2.29pm
Fire crews persevere, no injuries reported.
2.25pm
Statement from Avon Fire & Rescue: “Two turntable ladders are being used to tackle a fire in student accomodation. More than 40 firefighters are on the scene, with the fire now contained to the fifth floor and roof space. At this time it’s thought that no one was inside and there are no reports of any injuries.”
 
2.24pm
The fire spread across the length of the roof very quickly.
 
2.24pm
The fire shows little sign of easing.



2.23pm
Builders working on nearby Electricity House stop to watch events unfold from above.
 
2.21pm
Mary Goodchild, 29, who lives in a flat nearby, told the Bristol Post:
 
“I heard a popping noise about 40 minutes ago and the sun was blotted out. I went out onto the roof to see what was going on and the roof was on fire.”
 
“There was a column of smoke and the roof was completely on fire. I had to go back inside because there was stuff flying everywhere. There was a lot of heat coming off the building and within about 30 minutes the roof was just a skeleton.”
 
2.15pm
Uppermost rooms of student block now fully ablaze.



2.12pm
Top floor rooms beginning to catch.



2.08pm
Firefighters still attempting to subdue the flames.

2.05pm
Alleged cause is a pan of oil left on a hob.



2.04pm
Fire emerging from the windows.
2.02pm
Roof of student accommodation almost completely gone.
2.00pm
Here are views from the back of the burning building.
1.58pm
Four fire engines and a turntable continue to tackle the blaze.


Photo credit: @ella_bella_blue
 
 
See more photos below:


 Top photo credit: Doug Jewell

 

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