News / fire
Cause of fire at SWX believed to be deliberate
The cause of the fire that ripped through SWX on Tuesday morning is thought to be deliberate.
The music venue and nightclub on Nelson Street is remembered fondly by many under a number of names: Syndicate, The Works, Odyssey, Papillions, Romeo & Juliet, Top Rank.
Firefighters from across the Bristol area were called to the fire, with Nelson Street remaining closed for much of the morning.
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In a statement, Avon & Fire Rescue said: “We were called at 04:35 to a fire in a four-storey building, used as an event space and music hall, on Nelson Street, Bristol City Centre.
“Crews from Temple, Bedminster, Southmead, Patchway, Avonmouth, Hicks Gate, Pill, Nailsea and Portishead attended the incident.
“At the height of the incident, 20 firefighters were wearing breathing apparatus and used six 45mm jets and four high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire. Thermal imaging cameras and small gear were also in use to check for hotspots.
“We were joined at the scene by police colleagues and Nelson Street was closed during the incident.
“Crews remained on scene for some time after the fire was extinguished to damp down and ventilate the building.
“The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate ignition.”
Firefighters from across Bristol attended the blaze at SWX on Nelson Street – photo: Martin Booth
SWX was due to host its reopening party on Monday, promising to be “the biggest, and best event we have ever held”.
Main photo: Phil Watson
Read more: Review: In Flames, SWX
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