A dramatic fire broke out at St Michael’s Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol on the afternoon of 22 May 2025, prompting an emergency evacuation of expectant mothers and hospital staff. Emergency services responded rapidly after receiving reports of flames engulfing the rooftop solar panel array around 16:30 BST.

Mothers-to-be and their babies were quickly escorted to safety by midwives, who also provided essential supplies such as milk and fruit while awaiting clearance to return. Despite the alarming visuals of thick black smoke and flames visible from across the city centre, the fire was successfully contained and extinguished within an hour. The hospital resumed operations by 19:00.

Jess Hutchinson, 22, who was in the early stages of labour, described the experience as “scary”, particularly hearing the fire on the roof, where a number of solar panels have been destroyed by the flames. Another patient, Zainab Badaki, 32 weeks pregnant, shared the emotional distress of the moment: “It was very frightening, because everywhere was dark, the smoke was just all over the place. It was quite scary really.”

Some patients were temporarily relocated to the Bristol University Life Sciences building, highlighting the collaborative local effort to safeguard public health amid the emergency.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service, supported by Avon and Somerset Police, mobilised crews from 10 stations. A full investigation into the cause has been announced. Police urged the public to steer clear of the area while road closures were in effect on St Michael’s Hill.

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