Three treated in hospital after 'deliberate' Ecclestone House flat fire in Bristol
Avon Fire were called to the scene shortly after 6am on Thursday (October 20)
Last updated 20th Oct 2022
Fewer than 12 hours after a fire caused alarm across the community in Barton Hill, Avon Fire and Rescue have confirmed the fire at a block of flats is 'thought to be deliberate ignition'.
The block of flats on Aiken Street caused a 'large number' of phone calls to 999 - with Avon Fire and Rescue at that time advising people to avoid the area - which has now been brought under control.
The emergency service sent a number of appliances to the scene to extinguish the fire at Eccleston House - where everybody was accounted for.
On the scene too were police and ambulances - who treated six people at the scene with smoke inhalation and/or burns injuries - three of whom had to be later sent to hospital for further treatment.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man has been arrested after the fire - with the emergency services alerted to it at just after 6am on Thursday (October 20th).
Dave Hodges, Avon Fire & Rescue Service Area Manager said: “Our Control Team received several calls just after 6am this morning to reports of a fire at Eccleston House, on Aiken Street in Bristol.
“On arrival crews were faced with a fire on the first floor of the building which had spread to the outside of the building. We deployed crews wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire and assist residents.
“The decision was taken to evacuate the residents from the building, while crews carried out a full search of the building and to account for all persons.
“The fire has now been extinguished and fire crews remain in attendance to make the scene safe. We are working with our partner agencies to support the local community during this time.”
Along with support from the emergency services, housing officers were also sent to help, while residents were offered support at two rest centres which were set up nearby to help with food, clothing and given access to medicine.
It's reported 40 people were given welfare support, while a number of them have now been offered alternative accommodation.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said “I would like to thank everyone in the community who responded so swiftly to help out this morning. This includes the brave efforts of our emergency services as well as council officers who provided front line support. In particular, I would also like to personally thank the local mosque and church who have helped us out generously during and after the evacuation.
"Many people will feel affected by recent events, including the fire at nearby Twinnell House, and I would encourage residents to seek support from the council’s housing and welfare teams who will continue checking in on everyone in the coming hours and days.
"It is completely understandable that high-rise residents across the city may feel upset and worried. We will be doing all we can to support them and will also be reminding all high-rise tenants in our city of the fire safety advice specific to their blocks.”