More than 100 students have been forced out of their homes after a blaze ripped through the roof of their accommodation block in Bristol city centre on Monday afternoon.
The fire broke out at around 1pm in a university residence on Colston Street, causing students to be evacuated from their flats, while they watched their bedrooms "go up in flames".
Student flats in Bristol could be unstable after yesterday's huge fire as road remains closed http://t.co/lqTJWA37mgpic.twitter.com/R7izc9iDrw
— Bristol UK (@BRRistolUK) October 13, 2015It is thought the fire started after a student left a burning pan of oil unattended, although this has yet to be confirmed by emergency services.
Speaking to the Bristol Post, 23-year-old student Josh Conroy said: "I'm looking at my bedroom go up in flames. It's pretty shocking. I was coming out of my lecture when I got a text – rumour has it it was an oil fire."
"There's thousands of pounds worth of clothes and DJ equipment in there – so it's pretty bad."
Video of the #ColstonStreet#Firepic.twitter.com/UNHFor9i0T
— Joey Taylor (@TheNewJethro) October 12, 2015Massive fire opposite our offices on Colston Street. Still going strong despite firemens best efforts #bristolpic.twitter.com/lFyRipJGVf
— Rosie Schultz (@RosieSchultz) October 12, 2015Posting on Facebook, Bristol student Chanté Joseph thanked friends for offering to home her while alternative accommodation is sought.
"I don't have anything or even know the condition of my things. I was living on the first floor and the fire happened on the 5th floor so I'm praying that my stuff is alright. At least I'm safe and it didn't happen at night and no one was harmed."
More pics show how the fire in Colston St, #Bristol has spread (courtesy of Richard Meal) pic.twitter.com/u4hGfiONP0
— BBC Radio Bristol (@bbcrb) October 12, 2015A University of Bristol spokesperson said all 121 students living in the flats have been found temporary housing, and have been suplied with bedding, toiletries, food and clothing. Although the fire has been extinguished, Avon Fire Service said the building is still unsafe.
The smoke consuming @BristolUniLib Chemistry library #bristolfirehttp://t.co/FgCZ4jrv04pic.twitter.com/2ggWHLBxcd
— Epigram (@EpigramPaper) October 12, 2015Area manager Mark Anderson added: "It was a concern to us how fast that fire went through the roof and we'll be talking to the university about their buildings."
