Huge fire rages at Bristol hospital as black smoke fills sky

A massive fire "involving solar panels" has torn through a maternity hospital in Plumes of thick black smoke filled the entire Bristol skyline following a fire that started at around 4:30pm at Saint Michael's Hospital on Southwell Street.

Fire crews from 10 areas were deployed to battle the raging flames that burned through the roof of the building. The hospital was partially evacuated at the time of the incident and no injuries or casualties were recorded. The blaze has now been extinguished although five fire crews remained onsite into the evening for safety purposes. An investigation will follow into the cause of the fire, as confirmed by Avon Fire and Rescue.

St Michael's Hill was closed in both directions, and queueing traffic built up due to the emergency service presence from Tyndall Avenue to Horfield Road.

Avon Fire and Rescue said: "Crews from Temple, Yate, Southmead, Bedminster, Hicks Gate, Patchway, Kingswood, Nailsea, Avonmouth, Weston-Super-Mare were called at 4:23pm to reports of a fire on the roof of a hospital involving solar panels on Southwell Street, Bristol.

"Upon arrival, crews located a fire on the roof of the building and began firefighting efforts.

"The hospital was partially evacuated at the time of the incident. We can confirm that the fire has now been extinguished, and we currently have five fire engines on scene including one turntable ladder for monitoring purposes.

"Police crews remain on scene to assist with traffic and cordon management. Some cordons are expected to be lifted. No injuries or casualties have been reported."

It confirmed the cause of the fire is unknown and a full investigation will take place following the incident.

At the time of the incident, Avon and Somerset Police said: "Police are supporting Avon Fire & Rescue colleagues at the scene of a fire at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol which was reported at about 4.30pm on Thursday 22 May.

"St Michael's Hill is closed to vehicles and pedestrians and people are urged to avoid the area if at all possible."