The Diocese of Bristol has said it is “deeply grateful” to fire services and the local community after a fire tore through a primary school in Stoke Gifford. Around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at St Michael’s Primary School, at around 9.30pm on Sunday, December 8.
Crews tackled the blaze overnight and the school announced it would stay closed today to enable an investigation to take place. People in the community said they have been left “heartbroken” by the news, with one posting on a local Facebook page: “I cannot believe it. The kids are going to be heartbroken.”
Issuing a statement this afternoon, the Diocese of Bristol said it is “Deeply grateful to Avon Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response in extinguishing the fire and ensuring that no one was injured”.
The Revd Canon Simon Jones, Vicar of Saint Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford said: “ Our church school is right at the centre of our community and in these moments, following the devastating fire last night, we are supporting one another in every way we can. Prayers are appreciated for the pupils, as the school is closed today and for Peter Barnard, our headteacher and all of the staff.”
An email sent by St Michael’s headteacher confirmed “everyone is safe (including the chickens)” and that the school hopes to reopen to pupils on Tuesday.
The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Bristol and Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education added: “ I am immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of the teachers, the headteacher and all the staff at St Michael’s Primary School. In times of crisis like this, it is heartening to see the community come together to support and serve one another.”
The Diocese also asks that “everyone keeps St Michael’s Primary School and all impacted by this incident in their prayers”.
Clair Hazelgrove, Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, added: “I was so sorry to hear about the fire at St Michael’s Primary School in Stoke Gifford, right at the heart of our community. Huge thanks to the Avon Fire & Rescue Service who managed to get it under control, and to the brilliant Headteacher, Pete Barnard, and the whole team at the school who are doing all they can to get the school open again soon.
“Thank you, too, to residents who’ve put the school in touch with traders who are being a great help. As a community, I know we’ll wrap around the school and be keen to support the nativity and other upcoming events too as soon as they are able to reopen.”