**Major Fire Breaks Out at Bristol Maternity Hospital Prompting City Centre Emergency Response**
Emergency services were called to a major blaze at St Michael’s Hospital, a city centre maternity facility in Bristol, on Thursday afternoon. The fire, which sent plumes of thick black smoke into the sky, was visible from several areas across the city, even reaching districts some distance away. In scenes described by local witnesses, heavily pregnant women and other patients were seen being led to safety by staff as firefighters worked determinedly to contain the incident.
St Michael’s Hospital, situated on Southwell Street, quickly became the focus of a wide-scale emergency operation shortly after reports of the fire emerged just after 4.30pm. Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were deployed rapidly to the scene, with images and footage later appearing online, showing fire teams operating on the hospital’s rooftop and large clouds of smoke billowing over Bristol’s cityscape.
Authorities have issued several warnings to the public, asking people to stay away from the area while emergency teams worked. St Michael’s Hill, a busy artery for local traffic, was closed to both vehicles and pedestrians, further underscoring the serious nature of the situation. Avon and Somerset Police said they were present to support fire crews and ensure public safety throughout the unfolding emergency.
The hospital, known for its vital maternity services, was in a state of heightened alert as reports circulated about expectant mothers being evacuated. One eyewitness reported to local media, “We all saw smoke pouring from the hospital roof. Then as the flames started to subside, it was clear firefighters were advancing, working methodically with their hoses to push back the blaze.”
The University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, which manages St Michael’s Hospital, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and promised to provide further updates as soon as more information was available. In the midst of uncertainty, both hospital staff and emergency responders received praise from onlookers for their composed and swift actions.
Social media channels and news outlets across the region were soon circulating striking images of the fire. Dramatic photos shared by local residents and press showed fire crews stationed on the hospital roof, actively dousing remaining hotspots and assessing the damage. The smoke could reportedly be seen from as far as Brislington, miles across town.
Shortly before 6pm, Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire had been safely brought under control. A statement from the service assured the public that the blaze was fully extinguished and explained that a thorough investigation would now take place to determine what had caused the incident in the first place.
Events such as this serve as a stark reminder of the crucial role played by emergency services during major incidents, and how vulnerable healthcare facilities can be to unexpected dangers. At the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation of casualties, and the full extent of the damage to the hospital remains unknown.
Investigators will now look into the origins of the fire, while the focus shifts to ensuring the continued safety of staff and patients, and assessing how this disruption may affect the critical maternity services the hospital offers. Authorities are expected to release further details as the enquiry progresses.
Residents and those with loved ones in St Michael’s Hospital are advised to monitor official updates and to avoid the affected area to prevent disruption to emergency work. The quick, coordinated response of Bristol’s emergency services undoubtedly prevented what could have been a much more severe outcome.