Dramatic pictures of Bristol scrapyard fire at the height of the blaze

Dramatic close-up photos show the huge flames and clouds of smoke at the height of the blaze after a fire broke out at a Bristol scrapyard yesterday, Saturday, December 14. Huge smoke clouds could be seen across the city after tonnes of scrap material ignited and burst into flames.

Crowds gathered to watch firefighters battle the flames as the drama unfolded. The cause of the fire is being investigated but is as yet unknown. We will be posting all the latest from the fire in our live blog.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service says firefighters were called to the scene on New Gatton Road at 2:20pm yesterday to reports of fire and smoke in the area. Upon arrival, they found a "well-developed" blaze at a scrapyard, understood to be Unimetals.

Our photographer, who was at the scene last night, said fire engines were still lining the road at 5pm. He said: "A very large plume of smoke and occasional flame bursts sore above the buildings that block my view. A crowd has gathered at an overhead walkway to look at the fire. There are still plenty of flames and a lot of smoke, this is still an active fire."

At 6pm on Saturday evening, the fire service issued an update to say that they were still battling the blaze. They said the fire was in an area of approximately seven tonnes of scrap metal and household appliances. No one was injured in the fire but its cause has not yet been confirmed.

In a Facebook post at 6pm yesterday, Avon & Somerset Police said: "We are currently tackling a fire at a scrapyard on New Gatton Road, Bristol. If you are local to the area, please close your doors and windows to stop smoke from the fire entering your home.

"At 2:20pm this afternoon, we were called to reports of the fire and smoke issuing in the area. On arrival, crews were met with a well developed fire in an area containing approximately seven tonnes of scrap metal, including scrap household appliances.

"As of 6pm today, seven fire engines are on the scene along with a water bowser, the drone team and specialist officers are also in attendance. Firefighters continue to fight the fire wearing breathing apparatus and are using a number of water jets to tackle the blaze. No one has been injured. The cause of the fire remains unknown as firefighters continue to tackle the fire."

Follow our live blog here for the latest updates from the scene.