North Somerset school engulfed in flames as fire crews urge people to avoid area

  • Watch the moment residents spotted the fire

The high street of a village in North Somerset has been cordoned off, as crews tackle a fire at a school.

Residents of Yatton have captured the moment Yatton Junior and Infants school burst into flames.

Avon Fire and Rescue service was called to reports of a fire at a school in Yatton at 13:18pm today (May 30).

Crews from Clevedon, Weston, Blagdon, Nailsea, Avonmouth, Kingswood, Temple, Yate, Portishead and Bedminster attended the scene.

The cause of the incident is unknown.

In a statement it said: "We’re currently in attendance at a fire off Yatton High Street.

"Please be assured that our crews are on the scene, and that we will issue further updates as we are able. "Please avoid the area where possible."

  • Update 15:45pm

"We’ve currently got six fire engine, two turntable ladders and a command unit in attendance."Colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police have closed the High Street to aid us in accessing the scene.

"All persons have been accounted for. We would advise local people to close doors and windows."

Credit: Stephen Collier
Credit: Emz Tracey
Credit: Linda Fairless

One resident said: "It’s nasty but police and fire are here trying to retain control over it.

"It’s the corner of the infants by the climbing wall."

  • 17:30pm

Yatton high street has reopened. Avon Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed the fire is under control and response has been scaled back. 

The Yatton Co-Op is open, but the car park remains closed.

  • Yatton Schools Association statement- 17:50pm

Yatton Schools association has released the following statement:

"Following today's shocking and sad events, it's understandable that people are seeking information. A formal communication will be issued by the school shortly. 

"In the meantime and while the full impact of the fire is not yet clear, YSA understands that the school has full contingency plans in place, which will now be put into place.

"The wonderful school staff and community will work together as always to minimise the impact on pupils. The infant school will remain together. 

"We will support the school in any way that we can. We anticipate that many parents and others in the community will want to help our lovely school in getting back on its feet as soon as possible."