Locals have been asked to stay indoors after a huge fire broke out at Underfall Yard along the Bristol Harbourside in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, May 6). Emergency services were called to the scene at 12.42am and 20 residents and their pets from houses and boats were evacuated to a place of safety.
People are being asked to avoid the area and those living nearby have been asked to keep their windows closed. A tweet posted by Avon Fire and Rescue Service Control at 4am this morning said: "Due to an ongoing incident in the Hotwells, we advise you to please avoid this area and for residents to keep windows closed."
Events which were planned to take place in the area have also been cancelled due to debris from the fire. Updates on the ongoing situation will be posted to social media over the course of the day.
READ MORE: LIVE Bristol harbour fire: residents evacuated as huge blaze rips thought Underfall boat yard
A statement from Bristol City Council says: "A fire started at Underfall Yard in the early hours of Saturday (6 May) morning. @AvonFireRescue & @ASPolice is currently onsite, and Avon and Somerset Police have evacuated around 20 nearby residents and their pets (in houses and boats) to a place of safety.
"We will do all we can to support the ongoing incident. We remain at the scene and are working with our partners in the emergency services to assess the full extent of the situation and investigate the cause of the fire.
"In the meantime, please avoid the area. The open water swimming pilot in Baltic Wharf that is due to take place at 8am today is cancelled. This is because the fire has led to debris in the harbour water & excess water being used to tackle the fire is entering the harbour.
"Once the fire has been extinguished, further water quality assessments will be carried out by the Harbour and the @EnvAgency. To keep updated with the latest information, please follow Avon Fire & Rescue Service Control (@AFRSControl ) on Twitter. "
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