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Student fire ’caused by pan of oil’
A pan of oil left on the hob caused the fire which ripped through a city centre student accommodation block.
Investigators announced the cause of fire, which brought much of the centre to a standstill, was accidental.
Firefighters were called to 33 Colston Street on Monday at about 1pm to fire affecting one corner of the roof.
As many as 40 firefighters battled to get the blaze under control as it spread across the top floor apartments.
All residents were evacuated, some in their dressing gowns, and no one was injured. Over 100 students have been rehoused by University of Bristol.
Steve Quinton, Avon Fire & Rescue station manager who carried out the fire investigation, said: “We are satisfied that the cause of this fire was accidental after a pan of oil caught fire in a kitchen area.
“Whilst this was undoubtedly a dramatic and extremely traumatic incident for those involved and affected, thankfully no one was injured.
“The alarms activated allowing all the students inside to safely evacuate and staff to follow their well-managed fire evacuation plan.
“Although the building was badly damaged the presence of the alarms undoubtedly saved lives that day.
Lynn Robinson, deputy registrar at the University, said: “Although the fire has caused a huge amount of damage, our overriding concern was for the safety of our students and we’re very thankful that no one was injured.
“We were able to rehouse everyone quickly and continue to support them after what was undoubtedly a traumatic experience.
She added that the fire service have been working with the university to publicise safety measures since the start of the new term.
Top picture from Ellie B.
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