20,000 tonnes of scrap metal set on fire at Avonmouth Docks in 'ongoing' incident

Local residents are being advised to close their windows and doors.

The major fire on the docks in Avonmouth
Author: Matt HutchinsonPublished 5th Oct 2020
Last updated 5th Oct 2020

Local residents are being urged to keep their doors and windows shut, after a major fire at Avonmouth Docks.

20,000 tonnes of scrap metal were set alight in the blaze - Avon Fire and Rescue Service has described the incident as "ongoing".

It says there have been high levels of smoke across the area, including in Thornbury.

Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, Temple, Bedminster, Portishead, Kingwood and Nailsea were called to the Sims Metal Management fire on St Andrews Road at 22:41 last night (04/10).

Highways England has also reported that smoke is drifting over local motorways:

St.Andrews Road has remained open, but the authority is advising motorists to drive with caution.

The Bristol Port Company says there are currently no casualties, but has called the blaze "significant".

It is currently unclear what the cause is.

Just after 13:00, Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews are still on the scene: