A major fire broke out at an industrial unit on Emery Road in Brislington, Bristol, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, sending a huge plume of smoke across the city and prompting a large emergency response.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the scene at around 2:27 p.m., with firefighters from nine stations deployed to tackle the blaze. Fourteen fire appliances were reported to be attending as crews worked to bring the flames under control.
The scale of the fire was visible from miles away, with thick smoke rising above the Brislington area. Reports from the scene also described loud blasts or explosions being heard as firefighters tackled the burning industrial premises, although the cause of those sounds had not been established.
Police established a large cordon around the affected area while firefighters worked at the scene. A 200-metre cordon was reported, with officers helping to evacuate people from the immediate vicinity and manage the surrounding area.
Residents and businesses nearby were urged to keep windows and doors closed because of the heavy smoke and to avoid the area wherever possible. Motorists were also advised to stay away from Emery Road while emergency services continued their response.
The fire caused significant disruption to traffic around Brislington, with Emery Road closed between the A4 Bath Road and Bonville Road. Bus services in the area were also affected as emergency crews dealt with the incident.
Despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries had been reported in the latest updates. Firefighters remained at the scene as they worked to contain and extinguish the fire, while police continued their inquiries.
The cause of the Brislington fire has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are expected to establish how the blaze started once the scene is safe enough for a detailed investigation.
The incident has caused concern across the local community, with the enormous smoke plume visible from many parts of Bristol. Residents have been urged to follow instructions from emergency services and avoid approaching the fire scene while the response continues.
