Bus station evacuated after fire

More than 100 people were evacuated from Bath bus station yesterday afternoon (Thursday July 9) after a fire in the main rotunda building.

Passengers and staff were directed away to Broad Quay and buses were diverted from the station via Dorchester Street, Corn Street and Ambury.

Two fire engines and an aerial appliance from Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to the bus station at 4.01pm and arrived on site at 4.05pm.

The blaze, which was believed to have started in a cleaners cupboard in a lavatory on the ground floor of the rotunda building, was out by the time crews arrived.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said smoke had been seen issuing from the ground, first and third floors of the rotunda.

Crews then remained on site until around 5pm to ventilate the building and clear it of smoke.

No-one was injured as a result of the fire and buses returned to normal running following the blaze at the station.

A spokeswoman for bus operator First said: "Buses were temporarily stopped from coming into the station and we have done everything we could to keep disruption to a minimum."

Avon and Somerset Police were also called at 4.30pm and a spokesman for the force confirmed the bus station was re-opened at 4.47pm.