Customers and staff were evacuated from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre yesterday (Monday 27th June 2022) after the premises were affected by a fire that started in bushes outside the building.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews from Patchway and Southmead attended the incident following a call to the emergency services at 5.42pm.
The fire service report states:
On arrival, crews found a fire involving bushes affecting a single storey building, with the public having safely evacuated the area.
Using thermal imaging cameras to check the spread of the fire, firefighters used one high pressure hose reel, one drag fork, a triple extension ladder and two positive pressure ventilation fans to extinguish the fire.
A gas monitor was also used to check the safety of the scene.
The cause of the incident was determined to have been accidental ignition.
Reports on social media said people who had been swimming at the time of the evacuation were provided with foil blankets.
Centre reopened
Active Centres posted on their Facebook page at 6.36pm:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have unfortunately had to cancel the remainder of tonight’s Swimming Lessons at Bradley Stoke. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
A later comment on the same Facebook post, at 7.16pm, stated:
“We’re pleased to be able to announce that everything is back up and running as normal now. This means lane swimming will be able to take place this evening.”
Review of procedures
UPDATE added 28th June 2022.
A spokesperson for Circadian Trust, operator of the leisure centre, told the Journal:
“We are sorry that customers were unable to use Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre for part of Monday evening. This was due to a small fire, which was quickly extinguished by Avon Fire & Rescue services. We are pleased to report that no one was hurt.”
“As is the case after such an incident, a full investigation and review of our procedures has been undertaken to ensure we maintain the highest operational and safety standards.”
