The exact cause of the fire is being investigated
Patients, staff and vital medical equipment had to be evacuated as a huge fire involving solar panels broke out at St Michael’s Hospital this afternoon, Thursday, May 22.
At the time of the blaze, thick black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky and people across the city could see flames as fire crews worked to extinguish the rooftop inferno.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and 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.
Smoke and flames coming from St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol(Image: Submitted/Bristol Live)
“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.”
Firefighters battle the blaze on the roof of St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol (Image: BristolLive/spoonbomb)
All three emergency services were called to the scene with motorists and pedestrians asked to avoid the area where possible as firefighters worked.
The hospital was partially evacuated, with patients and some medical equipment being moved out of the building.
The fire was extinguished by around 5.30pm. It is not thought that anyone suffered any injuries during the fire and the hospital reopened at around 7pm.
Professor Stuart Walker, hospital managing director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, 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.
Fire crews at St Michael’s Hospital(Image: Paul Gillis/ BristolLive )
“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.”