Residents in an area of Bristol are being urged to keep their windows shut after a large fire has broken out at a scrapyard. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said there have been no injuries reported after the fire in the St Werburgh’s area.
Fire crews were called to New Gatton Road at 2.20pm, with seven fire engines currently at the scene (5pm). BristolLive understands the blaze has broken out at Unimetals.
A fire spokesperson said officers were using breathing apparatus and firefighting jets. Avon Fire and Rescue Service is recommending nearby residents and drivers passing the area to keep windows shut as a result of the smoke. There are no road closures in place.
Our photographer at the scene said fire engines are currently (at 5pm on Saturday, December 14) lining up the road next to the M32. He said the flames are visible behind buildings that obscure his view.
He said: “A very large plume of smoke and occasional flame bursts sore above the buildings that block my view. A crowd has gathered at an overhead walkway to look at the fire.
“There are still plenty of flames and a lot of smoke, this is still an active fire.”
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A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue has told BristolLive there are currently seven fire engines at the scene battling the fire which involves an estimated seven tonnes of scrap metal and household appliances.
They said: “We received a call at around 2:20pm this afternoon to a large amount of smoke issuing from the area of New Gatton Road. Crews mobilized, and on arrival found a well-developed fire within scrap metal.
“The fire containing around 7 tons of scrap metal and household appliances. We currently have 7 fire engines on scene.
“We are using a water bowser, our service drone and we have this servicing unit. We’re currently fighting the fire with four firefighting jets and the assistance of on-site personnel using heavy machinery to separate the scrap metal.”
The spokesperson for the fire service urged locals to keep their doors and windows closed as crews continue to battle the fire due to the amount of smoke. The M32 and an adjacent railway had speed restrictions put in place, but there are no current road closures.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. It is not thought that anyone has sustained any injuries.