Huge fire at Bristol City Centre nightclub
It comes just a week before venues will be allowed to reopen
Last updated 13th Jul 2021
Fire crews from across Bristol have been needed to put out a huge blaze at SWX nightclub on Nelson Street.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service first tweeted about the incident at 5:45am this morning saying crews from Bedminster, Southmead, Patchway, Avonmouth and other places were on the scene.
Another from Portishead was drafted in later on.
Photos shared online show the building smoldering as firefighters tried to tackle the fire.
By 8:30am the Fire Service tweeted to say the fire was out but crews remain on the scene.
Avon and Somerset Police have also been on the site assisting with road closures, which have caused some bus routes to be diverted.
Initially Avon Fire and Rescue Service said they believed the fire was started deliberately, but they have since backtracked on that statement.
"Earlier today we issued an update on the Nelson Street incident, initially believing the cause of the fire to be deliberate ignition," they say.
"However, our fire investigators are currently on site and the cause is actually unknown at this time.
"As soon as the investigation concludes we will share any updates with you."
It comes just a week before nightclubs will finally be allowed to reopen, on July 19, with Bristol's Mayor Marvin Rees calling it "such sad news".
In a statement of their own bosses at SWX say they are "devastated" by the fire and are now trying to work out what happened.
"Our thanks go to Avon and Somerset Fire and Bristol Police for their amazing work and ensuring the fire damage caused was limited," the statement reads.
"Thank you for all your love and support".