News / underfall yard
Sadness across city following fire at Underfall Yard
Only charred and still smouldering remnants remain of sheds at Underfall Yard that are usually bustling hives of activity.
If you have ever walked through the historic boatyard, you will have probably seen master craftspeople at work building boats out of wood using traditional methods.
In the early hours of Saturday, the workplaces of some of these artisans were destroyed in a serious fire that ripped through the sheds.
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Around 20 residents living in houses and boats nearby were evacuated, spending some time at the M Shed museum.
Firefighters from Bath joined their colleagues from across Bristol to battle the fire, with destroyed buildings still smouldering in the daylight.
It appears that the main boatbuilding shed has been destroyed, as well as several small boats, but the fire did not spread to the forge buildings, patent slip or visitor centre.
On Saturday morning, the swimming session in the docks near the Cottage pub was cancelled due to debris in the water from the fire.
Residents of Avon Crescent have been allowed to return to their homes but have been advised to keep their windows closed and stay out of their gardens which back onto Underfall Yard.
Boatbuilding sheds were almost completely destroyed in the fire on Saturday morning – photo: Bristol24/7
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has already pledged to rebuild the sheds that were destroyed in the fire.
“My thanks to @AvonFireRescue, @ASPolice, and all who evacuated people/responded to the serious fire at Underfall Yard overnight,” he tweeted.
“We continue to make every effort to support those affected.
“We will assess the damage, and work to restore this important part of our working docks.”
Fire crews remain on site damping down hotspots – photo: Bristol24/7
Main photo: Bristol24/7
Read next:
- Serious fire breaks out at Underfall Yard
- Derelict hotel devastated by huge fire
- Double decker bus catches fire outside Temple Meads
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