Police have declared a major incident at Cribbs Causeway as a fire burns at a Premier Inn hotel.
More than 60 firefighters are tackling a fire at the hotel at the hotel on Catbrain Lane, off the M5.
It started on the third floor at around 1.30pm today (July 17) and spread to the roof, causing large amounts of black smoke to billow, visible from miles away.
A major incident was declared by police shortly after 5pm.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "This is due to the level of resources required by emergency services at a time when they are already stretched following [Extinction Rebellion] protest activities in Bristol city centre this week.
"Significant delays are expected in the area around Cribbs Causeway and road closures are likely to be in place for some time. Please urgently avoid the area and seek alternative routes to and from Bristol where possible."
Avon Fire and Rescue Service says at least eight crews are at the scene.
A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said this afternoon: “We have sent the Hazardous area response team (HART) to the scene along with other paramedic teams.
"The incident is ongoing and we don’t have confirmation of any serious injuries – the teams are treating people on scene.”
She then told Bristol Live at 7pm there are no reports of injuries.
Witnesses at the scene have described parts of the roof collapsing.
Firefighters are taking a "defensive" approach to the fire, which means it is too dangerous for them to go inside.
Premier Inn tweeted: "We’re aware of the current situation at our Cribbs Causeway hotel and we’re grateful to the emergency services who are helping us."
The group asked anyone with queries about room bookings at the Cribbs Causeway branch to contact them for more information.
The A4018 (Cribbs Causeway Road) is closed in both directions between Clifton Rugby Club and Lysander Road.
Local residents are being warned to close doors and windows due to the amount of smoke in the area.
More on the Premier Inn fire:
- Key road closed - First Bus services diverted
- People warned to close doors and windows as huge fire rages
- Dramatic video shows fire still burning 9 hours on
- Everything we know so far about Premier Inn fire
- People left 'stranded' as they aren't allowed access to homes
You can follow our live coverage of the ongoing fire here.
