Bristol, UK — A dramatic rooftop fire at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol forced the evacuation of pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies on Thursday afternoon, after solar panels caught fire, sending thick black smoke billowing across the city centre.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Southwell Street just before 16:30 BST, responding to reports of flames involving solar panels installed on the hospital roof. The fire, which was visible across central Bristol, was brought under control within an hour, and the hospital resumed operations by 19:00.
Among those affected were mothers in labour and those who had recently given birth. Midwives and hospital staff acted swiftly to support the evacuees, bringing out milk, fruit, and medical supplies as patients waited outside or were temporarily relocated to the nearby Bristol University Life Sciences building.
Jess Hutchinson, 22, who was in labour when the fire broke out, described the scene as “scary.”
“You could hear the fire above us. I was just trying to stay calm, but it was frightening,” she said. “The midwives were brilliant — they made sure we were safe and cared for.”
Another expectant mother, Zainab Badaki, who is 32 weeks pregnant, recounted the harrowing moment of the evacuation: “It was very frightening, because everywhere was dark, the smoke was just all over the place. I saw a lady who had just had a baby, and she was crying. People had to hold her — it was heartbreaking.”
Matthew Burden, who had just stepped out of the maternity unit to get food, said he returned to find the building being evacuated. His wife, in labour with their third child, was allowed to remain inside under close medical supervision.
“When we came out I saw black smoke, all up in flames. Everyone was going down the fire exit quite fast,” he said.
Crews from 10 fire stations responded to the blaze, tackling flames on the roof where multiple solar panels were destroyed. Photos from the scene showed firefighters damping down the area after the fire was extinguished.
Professor Stuart Walker, Managing Director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, praised the staff for their rapid response.
“Our amazing staff worked hand in hand with the fire service to ensure the safety of all patients,” he said. “The hospital, including the delivery suite, has now reopened to women who need our services. Appointments scheduled for tomorrow will proceed as planned.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the cause of the fire remains unknown and a full investigation is underway.
Avon and Somerset Police supported the emergency response and temporarily closed St Michael’s Hill to both vehicles and pedestrians. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to reduce disruption.
St Michael’s Hospital is a major maternity centre, delivering approximately 5,000 babies annually — around 14 births a day. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in the incident.
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