Bristol students were forced to evacuate their flats today as a massive blaze erupted in their building. Credit: Alex Cousins
Bristol students were forced to evacuate their flats today as a massive blaze erupted in their building. Credit: Alex Cousins

A major fire broke out in a block of student flats today in the centre of Bristol.   

A Bristol University block of student accommodation, close to Colston Tower, was on fire today.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Although the exact cause is unknown, initial calls to the Avon Fire and Rescue Service control room suggest it started in a kitchen.

Emergency services received over 50 calls about the fire which erupted around 1pm.

Around 35 firefighters arrived at the flats above The Griffin Pub on the corner of Colston Street to tackle the blaze as the top-floor bedrooms and roofs were reduced to empty shells.

 

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The surrounding roads were closed off to the public as the fire service said firefighters would be on the scene for several hours. 

The flats house around 120 students, though Avon Fire & Rescue confirmed that no one was harmed in the fire.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said that the occupants of the flats will be rehoused and “supported through the process.”  

Gigs will still be going ahead tonight at Colston Hall, though guests are advised to allow extra time due to road closures and heavy traffic caused by the accident.

By Richard Peake