Underfall Yard fire: Homes and boats evacuated by serious blaze on Bristol Harbourside
The fire could be seen burning last night. Video credit: Jess Siggers
Homes and houseboats were evacuated following a serious fire in the centre of Bristol overnight (5-6 May).
The blaze burned through the night at Underfall Yard, a working boatyard in the Hotwells area of the city.
Fire crews and police were called to the scene, with people living in the area urged to close their doors and windows. The fire is now out but some roads remain closed.
Update: Residents and pets allowed to return home - 10.45am
Bristol City Council shared the following update at 10.45am: "The fire is under control, but we remain at the scene with @AvonFireRescue who are continuing to damp down the area.
"Evacuated residents and their pets have been able to return home.
"Please continue to avoid the area. We advise nearby residents to keep their windows closed. We’d also like to thank local businesses that are being affected for their cooperation.
"Underfall Yard will remain closed over the bank holiday weekend. If you have pre-booked a water-based activity in the harbour, please get in touch with the organiser directly"
Recap: Large fire breaks out at Underfall Yard in Hotwells
In a statement issued at 12.42am, Avon Fire and Service Service said it was dealing with a "large fire" as it urged people to avoid the area.
People reported hearing explosions which sounded like fireworks as the blaze took hold. Investigations are underway into what caused the fire and the severity of the damage.
In a statement released shortly after 5am, Bristol City Council said: "A fire started at Underfall Yard in the early hours of Saturday 6 May.
"Avon and Somerset Police have evacuated around 20 nearby residents and their pets (in houses and boats) to a place of safety.
"We will do all we can to support the ongoing incident. We remain at the scene and are working with our partners in the emergency services to assess the full extent of the situation and investigate the cause of the fire.
"In the meantime, please avoid the area. The open water swimming pilot in Baltic Wharf that is due to take place at 8am today is cancelled.
"This is because the fire has led to debris in the harbour water and excess water being used to tackle the fire is entering the harbour.
"Once the fire has been extinguished, further water quality assessments will be carried out by the Harbour and the Environment Agency."
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees added: "My thanks to Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Avon and Somerset Police and all who evacuated people/responded to the serious fire at Underfall Yard overnight.
"We continue to make every effort to support those affected. We will assess the damage, and work to restore this important part of our working docks."