Bristol fire: Crews tackle Guildhall blaze

Image copyright Gus Lloyd

Fire crews have spent the night tackling a major blaze in Bristol.

Emergency services were called to the Guildhall in Small Street at 01.40 GMT and 50 firefighters remain at the scene.

Nearby roads, including Baldwin Street, have been closed and police said disruption in the area would continue “for some time”.

Residents have been evacuated from nearby buildings, including a number of students from their accommodation.

Image copyright Gus Lloyd

The fire service said the “extensive spread of fire” and concerns about structural stability forced crews to retreat from inside the historic building and douse the flames from outside.

Steve Quinton, area manager for Avon Fire and Rescue, said: “Where the fire was in the roof space that has now fallen into the building and several of the floors have gone through to the basement so we will continue damping down for a number of hours still.”

A structural engineer, Bristol City Council and the building owners have been to the site and an assessment will be made of how safe the building is.