Families are said to have been evacuated after plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from a maternity hospital in Bristol.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service said on Thursday afternoon it was responding to a fire on Southwell Street, Bristol, and warned people to avoid the area.
Videos shared by locals on social media showed smoke rising from St Michael’s Hospital as mothers and babies were reportedly led across the road to safety by midwives.
Jess Hutchinson, 22, whose waters had broken, told the BBC it was “scary” hearing there was a fire on the roof.
Matt Burden, from Weston-super-Mare, told the BBC that he was inside the maternity unit with his wife when the fire broke out and that his wife was in labour with their third baby.
“I went out to get some food, came back and obviously the alarm went off,” he told the broadcaster, adding that his partner was safe inside.
“They said all partners had to leave. Everyone was going down the fire exit quite fast. When we came out I saw black smoke, all up in flames.”
Green Party co-leader and MP for Bristol Central wrote on social media: “Scenes from the fire at St Michael’s Hospital look incredibly distressing – my thoughts are with all those who had to evacuate in such scary circumstances, and huge thanks to the emergency services for their bravery.
“I’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation as it develops.”
Smoke could be seen across the city, including from Bristol Temple Meads station, as videos showed a number of firefighters battling the blaze.
Around an hour after the fire service confirmed the fire, it added: “We can confirm that the fire has safely been extinguished. The cause of the fire will be investigated.”
Residents have been told to expect delays and use alternative routes, as nearby St Michaels Hill is closed between its junctions with Hortfield Road and Tyndall Avenue.
