All 188 residents to move out after tower block fire

All 188 residents living in a city centre tower block have been asked to move out following a fire.

Fire crews were called to the flats in Marybush Lane, near Castle Park in Bristol at about 17:20 BST on Tuesday. Ten people were rescued from the fourth floor and a number of residents were treated for smoke inhalation.

Group manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Paul Smith, has now confirmed the fire was caused by the charging of an e-scooter and that it has been recorded as an "accidental ignition".

Abri housing association, which manages the tower block, has emailed all residents asking them to move out, as there is no water and power and they are "unsure" when it will be restored.

Helen Wilson, regional managing director at Abri, said the housing association is helping with temporary accommodation and housing expenses.

She added that their repairs team is currently assessing the extent of the water damage to understand the works required and how long it will take.

"The safety of our customers is our highest priority," said Ms Wilson.

"Electricity and water was turned off at the building due to the amount of water damage on site.

"We understand this is a distressing time for our customers, our housing colleagues are on site supporting our customers including providing temporary accommodation and subsidising food and travel expenses.

"We will continue to update our customers regularly as more information becomes available."

Crews from Temple, Bedminster, Southmead, Kingswood, Patchway and Avonmouth were involved in tackling the fire.

Mr Smith told the BBC no smoke damage spread through the building, but added there was some water damage caused by the sprinklers.

He said fires caused by charging e-scooters is becoming "more and more commonplace in our communities", adding that people must "buy safely".

He also advised people not to "tamper or alter the units at all".

"Never over-charge them and don't charge them when you're away from home or at night," he added.

"Don't charge them in areas where it will block your escape route or in communal areas either."

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