A dramatic fire broke out on the top floor of St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol on the afternoon of May 22, 2025, prompting a swift emergency response from fire services and hospital staff. Known for its specialized maternity care, the hospital was swiftly evacuated to ensure the safety of patients, including several in labor. The fire has reignited urgent conversations about emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities and the safety protocols for high-rise hospital buildings.
Thick black smoke could be seen rising above the hospital, visible across large parts of the city, causing concern among residents and triggering a high-alert response from emergency services. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and quick-thinking staff managed to prevent what could have been a much worse disaster.
Timeline and Location of the Fire
The fire was first reported around 4:30 PM BST, originating on the roof of St Michael’s Hospital, located on Southwell Street in central Bristol. As a key facility within the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital sees high daily foot traffic, especially in its maternity unit.
Emergency calls were placed immediately upon detection of the fire, and Avon Fire and Rescue Service dispatched several crews to the location. The fire appeared to be concentrated on the top floor, likely on the rooftop area or near ventilation and utility installations, but thick smoke quickly descended into lower areas of the building, prompting swift evacuation orders.
By 5:00 PM, multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police units had surrounded the hospital, and a cordon was established around the site to manage safety and prevent public access to the hazardous area.
Immediate Emergency Response
The rapid response by Avon Fire and Rescue was instrumental in preventing injuries or loss of life. Firefighters used aerial ladders to access the top floor and worked tirelessly to suppress the blaze and cool the surrounding areas. Water jets were used to prevent the fire from spreading into the hospital’s maternity wards and patient areas.
Inside the building, hospital staff activated emergency protocols. Nurses, midwives, doctors, and security teams guided patients to safety. Among those evacuated were several women in labor, some of whom had to be transported into nearby streets temporarily before being relocated to other care facilities.
One particularly moving account came from 22-year-old Jess Hutchinson, who was in the early stages of labor when the evacuation began. “It was terrifying,” she said. “There was smoke, alarms, people shouting. But the midwives were incredible—they stayed calm and never left our side.”
Paramedics and emergency teams were stationed nearby to treat any individuals affected by smoke inhalation or shock, but thankfully no hospitalizations were necessary. Staff were praised by fire officials for their quick thinking and professionalism under pressure.
Impact on Patients and Hospital Operations
While no injuries were reported, the impact on hospital operations was significant. The hospital’s maternity unit, one of the busiest in the region, had to suspend services temporarily. Appointments were cancelled or relocated, and an emergency hotline was set up to redirect patients to other facilities like Southmead Hospital.
Hospital administrators have since activated contingency plans to ensure that ongoing care, particularly for maternity patients, continues without interruption. Ambulances were on standby to move expectant mothers who were close to delivery to other hospitals in Bristol and the surrounding counties.
A temporary triage unit was set up nearby to handle any immediate medical needs for evacuated patients. Some medical equipment and essential records were safely removed from the affected areas before the situation escalated, minimizing operational damage.
Hospital officials confirmed that all staff and patients were accounted for. As of this writing, the facility remains partially closed pending safety inspections and a thorough evaluation of structural damage.
Investigation and Cause of Fire
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway, led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service with assistance from structural engineers and hospital risk management experts. Early signs indicate that the blaze may have started in a rooftop utility area, but no official cause has been confirmed yet.
Specialist fire investigators will analyze electrical systems, HVAC units, and other infrastructure located on the roof to determine whether the fire was caused by equipment failure, human error, or other factors. A comprehensive inspection of the entire building is scheduled before any reoccupation of the top floor.
Bristol City Council is also expected to launch a review into hospital safety compliance and emergency preparedness. The incident has renewed focus on the fire safety standards of older hospital buildings, particularly those with rooftop infrastructure.
Local authorities have praised the combined efforts of firefighters, hospital staff, and emergency medical personnel. A full report on the cause and aftermath is expected in the coming weeks.
