Blaze breaks out at Bristol sports centre
People are being told to keep their windows and doors closed
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
People living near the Whitchurch Sports Centre are being told to keep their windows and doors closed after a huge fire broke out.
Images from the scene show plumes of smoke in the area, prompting the warning to residents from the Fire Service.
The Fire Service say that 12 appliances are currently on the scene from around the area, including Temple, Kingswood, Bedminster, Bath, Southmead, Avonmouth, Patchway and Weston- Super-Mare.
Police are also on the scene, who are helping to manage a number of road closures.
Drivers are being told that closures are in place along Bamfield, between the junction with Whitchurch Lane and Briery Leaze Road.
The advice is to avoid the area if possible, with teams from Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue also in attendance.
On social media, they confirmed: "We are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue with a fire at the old Whitchurch Sports Centre, in Bristol, today.
"Officers have put road closures in place along Bamfield between Whitchurch Lane and Briery Leaze Road.
We are also evacuating households in Paddock Garden as a precaution."
In a statement sent to us, a spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police added: “We are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue Service with an ongoing fire at the old Whitchurch Sports Centre, in Bamfield, Bristol, today (Wednesday 9 August) at around 10am.
“Officers have put road closures in place along Bamfield between Whitchurch Lane and Briery Leaze Road. Whitchurch Lane is also closed between Dakota Drive and Longway Avenue, and Belland Drive and parts of Court Farm Road are also closed.
“We are also evacuating households in Paddock Garden as a precaution. Fire is advising all residents to keep their windows closed and to avoid the area.”