A fire which broke out at a top-floor flat in Bedminster was started deliberately, Avon Fire and Rescue Service has said. The blaze started in the early hours of Thursday morning (May 18) as multiple fire crews rushed to put out the flames.
Crews from Bedminster, Hicks Gate and Temple were called to the fire at around 1.30am on Thursday to the three-story building on East Street. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, high pressure hose reels and a turntable ladder to safely extinguish the flames, which had all been put out by 6.30am.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said investigations had determined the cause to be deliberate and the case had been handed over to Avon and Somerset Police.
Read more: Bedminster flat 'severely damaged' by early morning fire as investigation launched
The incident report for the blaze says: "Crews from Bedminster, Temple and Hicks Gate responded to reports of a fire at 01:30. On arrival, crews found a fire affecting a three-storey building. With seven firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, crews used three high pressure hose reels and a turntable ladder to extinguish the fire.
"The cause of the incident is unknown, and fire investigation will take place later today (18 May)."
An update said: "The fire investigation took place today (18 May). Investigators found the fire to have been caused by deliberate ignition. The incident has now been handed over to police colleagues."
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Enquiries are ongoing following a suspected act of arson in Bedminster during the early hours of Thursday 18 May. We were called us to a property fire in East Street at approximately 1.30am and supported Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene.
“We are treating the incident as suspicious at this time. Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5223115258."
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