News / Whitchurch
Homes evacuated after huge fire at former sports centre
Homes were evacuated following a major fire in south Bristol.
Thick black smoke was visible across the city after a blaze broke out at the former Whitchurch Sports Centre on Wednesday morning.
Firefighters were called to the scene on Bamfield road at around 9.51am, and continued to tackle the blaze into the evening.
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Police closed the roads surrounding the incident, with traffic and buses diverted.
A huge fire at the former Whitchurch Sports Centre was so intense it could be seen from an overhead plane – photo: James Whitehead
Twelve fire engines from the Temple, Kingswood, Bedminster, Bath, Southmead, Avonmouth, Patchway and Weston-super-Mare stations initially attended the scene.
Locals were advised to keep windows closed and to avoid the area.
Explosions and popping sounds could be heard coming from the building.
After tackling the blaze all day, Avon Fire & Rescue Service released the following statement at 6.30pm: “We’ve reduced our attendance at the incident but will remain at the scene into the evening, before a fire investigation is due to take place tomorrow morning.”
Police and ambulance crews attended the scene alongside the fire brigade – photo: Charlie Watts
Police were also in attendance at the scene alongside ambulance crews but it is believed there were no injuries.
The cause of the fire and extent of damage to the sports centre is not currently known.
Households near the scene in Paddock Garden were evacuated, with a rest centre set up at the nearby St Augustine’s Church. They were permitted to return to their properties later in the evening.
The former sports centre is adjacent to Hengrove Park, and was due to be demolished to make way for council plans for 1,400 new homes on the park.
Main photo: Victoria Mockridge
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