Latest news with #AvonFire
Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Bristol fire: Mothers and newborns evacuated from hospital
Mothers at a maternity hospital in Bristol had to evacuate the building carrying their babies after a large fire broke out on the roof. Black smoke was seen rising over St Michael's Hospital in the city centre shortly before 4.30pm on Thursday. Firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue Service quickly extinguished the blaze. Mothers and their babies were taken to a nearby University of Bristol building. Outside, Matt Burden, from Weston-super-Mare, told BBC News that he was in the maternity unit with his wife when the fire broke out. She was in labour with their third baby and he was 'really eager to get back' to her, he said. 'I went out to get some food, came back and the alarm went off,' he said.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Maternity hospital evacuated after solar panel fire
Pregnant women were evacuated from a hospital in Bristol after a solar panel fire broke out. Large plumes of black smoke were seen emerging from St Michael's Hospital, near the city centre. The maternity ward at the hospital has reportedly been evacuated, with pregnant mothers and babies being led across the road to another building. The cause of the fire, which has now been extinguished, is currently unknown. Footage shared on social media showed women cradling babies being escorted past fire engines and under police tape to safety. Jess Hutchinson, 22, whose waters have broken, told the BBC it was 'scary' hearing the fire start on the roof. Matt Burden, from Weston-super-Mare, was inside the maternity unit when the fire started. He told the BBC that his wife was in labour with their third baby and he was 'really eager to get back' to her. He said: 'I went out to get some food, came back and obviously the alarm went off. They said all partners had to leave. Everyone was going down the fire exit quite fast. A BBC forecaster shared a still image from a skycam located a short distance away, which showed the scorched remains of the hospital's rooftop solar panels. Ian Fergusson said there was 'virtually nothing left of the rooftop solar panel array after this fire'. He added: 'A very worrying and scary event for folks at the maternity hospital.' Some patients have reportedly been taken to the Bristol University Life Sciences building. In a statement, a spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We're currently responding to a fire on Southwell Street, Bristol. 'We encourage people to avoid the area while we deal with the incident. 'We can confirm that the fire has safely been extinguished. 'The cause of the fire will be investigated.' Avon and Somerset Police said the fire had been reported at around 4.30pm. A spokesman said: 'St Michael's Hill is closed to vehicles and pedestrians and people are urged to avoid the area if at all possible.' A University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'We're responding to an incident at St Michael's Hospital, we will provide a further update shortly.'
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Black smoke as Bristol St Michael's Hospital on fire
A large fire has broken out at a city centre maternity smoke was seen over St Michael's Hospital in Bristol shortly before 16:30 from Avon and Fire and Rescue Service are attending. Pregnant mothers and babies are being evacuated from the building onto the road outside.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tower block residents rescued after fire breaks out
Fire crews had to rescue residents of a city centre tower block after a fire broke out. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said 10 people had to be rescued using a turntable ladder from the fourth floor of the building on Marybush Lane near Castle Park in Bristol. The residents had to be treated for smoke inhalation, the service added, but all the occupants of the property are now accounted for. The road has been closed and motorists have been advised to avoid the area. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Crews from Temple, Bedminster, Southmead, Kingswood, Patchway and Avonmouth were involved in tackling the fire. Avon Fire and Rescue Service told the BBC: "The fire has now been extinguished. Firefighters remain on the scene to ventilate the building and ensure the scene is safe." A spokesperson said the cause of the fire is thought to be accidental and that a number of residents were unable to return home on Tuesday night due to "significant" smoke and water damage. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon Fire and Rescue
