News / Crime
Major fire in central Bristol block of flats
Firefighters in Bristol have been dealing with a major blaze that broke out in a block of flats in the city centre this morning.
The fire broke out on the seventh floor of Carolina House in the north-east corner of King Square in Kingsdown, and quickly engulfed at least one flat.
Some eight fire engines were on scene at about 11am, alongside a heavy police presence, as residents were evacuated.
Flames poured out of the building and a plume of thick black smoke could be seen across the city. By midday the fire had largely been extinguished.
Unconfirmed reports suggested emergency services were still trying to locate someone though to be left in the building.
Residents gathered in King Square and were eventually offered shelter in the nearby E5 church and community centre on Jamaica Street. They said there had been little warning of the dramatic events that unfolded.
One man told Bristol24/7: “I heard an alarm but it only took a few minutes for what seemed like a small fire to turn into this.”
Jamaica Street remains closed, as are roads around Dove Street South at Thomas Street and Armada Place.
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
