Large fire breaks out at Bristol's St. Michael's Hospital
Avon Fire & Rescue Service say the blaze has now been extinguished
Last updated 22nd May 2025
An investigation will be carried out into the cause of a fire that broke out at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service say the fire, which took hold earlier this afternoon, has now been safely extinguished.
For a while, large black plumes of smoke could be seen drifting over the city centre, with fire crews called to the site on Southwell Street.
People were earlier urged to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: "Crews from Temple, Yate, Southmead, Bedminster, Hicks Gate, Patchway, Kingswood, Nailsea, Avonmouth, Weston-Super-Mare were called at 4:23pm to reports of a fire on the roof of a hospital involving solar panels on Southwell Street, Bristol. Upon arrival, crews located a fire on the roof of the building and began firefighting efforts.
"The hospital was partially evacuated at the time of the incident. We can confirm that the fire has now been extinguished, and we currently have five fire engines on scene including one turntable ladder for monitoring purposes.
"Police crews remain on scene to assist with traffic and cordon management. Some cordons are expected to be lifted.
"No injuries or casualties have been reported.
"The cause of the fire is unknown. A full investigation will take place following the incident."
The Hospital, which is managed by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, has now reopened to patients.
Professor Stuart Walker, Hospital Managing Director, UHBW said:
“Following a fire incident at St Michael’s hospital this afternoon, we can confirm that the fire has safely been extinguished.
“Thank you to our amazing staff who worked closely with the fire service to partially evacuate the hospital.
“The hospital, including the delivery suite, has now reopened to women who need to access our services and people with appointments tomorrow should attend as planned.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin over the next few days.