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Bristol city student flats hit by major fire | Bristol city student flats hit by major fire |
(35 minutes later) | |
A major fire has ripped through the roof of a block of student accommodation in Bristol city centre. | A major fire has ripped through the roof of a block of student accommodation in Bristol city centre. |
Dozens of calls were received about the fire which has damaged the fifth floor and roof space of the University of Bristol building in Colston Street. | Dozens of calls were received about the fire which has damaged the fifth floor and roof space of the University of Bristol building in Colston Street. |
Four fire engines, a turntable ladder and more than 40 firefighters have been dealing with the blaze, Avon Fire and Rescue said. | Four fire engines, a turntable ladder and more than 40 firefighters have been dealing with the blaze, Avon Fire and Rescue said. |
It was thought no-one was inside and there were no reports of any injuries. | It was thought no-one was inside and there were no reports of any injuries. |
Eyewitnesses said it started as a small fire in one corner but very quickly took hold. | |
"We saw tiles falling off as the fire brigade arrived and not long after the wall on the south-west side of the building started to buckle," said an eyewitness called Ellie. | "We saw tiles falling off as the fire brigade arrived and not long after the wall on the south-west side of the building started to buckle," said an eyewitness called Ellie. |
"Nearly two hours after it started the whole roof was completely gutted." | "Nearly two hours after it started the whole roof was completely gutted." |
Richard Meal, who works on the 13th floor of the neighbouring Colston Tower, said: "As the fire took hold, tiles from the roof were crashing down from the roof on to the fire engines below. | |
"The top couple of storeys of the building are gutted and blackened and the fire is still burning over two hours later." | |
'Students evacuated' | 'Students evacuated' |
A university spokeswoman confirmed the fire at 33 Colston Street was in a residential block. | A university spokeswoman confirmed the fire at 33 Colston Street was in a residential block. |
"Students have been evacuated from the building and as far as we are aware no-one has been hurt," she said. | "Students have been evacuated from the building and as far as we are aware no-one has been hurt," she said. |
"Students resident in the building will be rehoused and supported through the process. We will be working with Avon Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire." | |
Avon and Somerset Police have asked motorists to avoid Colston Street and the surrounding roads. | Avon and Somerset Police have asked motorists to avoid Colston Street and the surrounding roads. |