Major fire erupts at Bristol trading estate in Brislington
A major fire broke out on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at a Brislington trading estate on Emery Road and Dixon Road in Bristol, with Avon Fire and Rescue Service crews called at 2:27pm to a disused industrial building. Nine fire stations responded, roads closed, evacuations began, and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed. Bristol Live is providing live updates as firefighters remain on scene.
Key Takeaways
- Fire crews were dispatched at 2:27pm to an industrial unit on Emery Road in Brislington, Bristol.
- Nine Avon Fire and Rescue stations are tackling a blaze at a disused building on the Dixon Road trading estate.
- Emery Road and Dixon Road are closed, with a reported 100-metre cordon and nearby evacuations including a McDonald's.
- Residents and businesses have been told to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
- Witness video shows loud explosions as flames tore through the roof of the burning structure.
What happened at the Brislington trading estate?
A huge fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon, 1 September 2026 at a trading estate in Brislington, south-east of Bristol. According to Bristol Live, the blaze is centred on a disused building at the Dixon Road trading centre, with firefighters also operating on Emery Road.
Photographs from the scene show thick columns of black smoke billowing above nearby buildings. A Bristol Live reporter at the site described "literally hundreds of firefighters" in attendance, with several engines visible as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Police are also on scene alongside fire crews. As of 3:50pm BST, firefighters remained at the location with the incident still ongoing.
Where is the fire and which roads are closed?
The fire is at an industrial unit on Emery Road in Brislington, BS4. Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews are responding at Emery Road and Dixon Road, both of which have been closed to traffic.
Reports indicate a 100-metre cordon has been put in place around the site. A nearby McDonald's has been evacuated, and people on Emery Road were being moved away from the area amid reports of explosions inside the building.
For homeowners and buyers tracking luxury real estate and dream homes in the Bristol area, the closure of these arterial routes through Brislington's trading estate is likely to disrupt local access until emergency crews declare the scene safe.
How many fire crews are responding?
An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said firefighters from nine stations are on scene: Hicks Gate, Temple, Kingswood, Avonmouth, Yate, Bath, Patchway, Bedminster and Nailsea. The service was first alerted at 2:27pm.
In a statement posted on social media, AFRS asked residents and local businesses to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area where possible. The service described the incident as a fire at an industrial unit on Emery Road.
Why are explosions being reported at the scene?
Witnesses and video footage from the site show dramatic moments as the blaze intensified. Content submitted to Bristol Live captures what appears to be a large explosion at the site, while separate footage shows water being directed at the roof before a loud blast is heard and flames burst through the structure again.
The Daily Express reported that people were being evacuated from Emery Road amid reports of explosions inside the building. Sirens can be heard in video from the scene as the emergency response continued.
Dramatic images show bright orange flames engulfing the roof of the industrial unit, with smoke filling the sky above Brislington. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or any injuries.
What should Brislington residents do right now?
Avon Fire and Rescue Service's guidance is clear: avoid Emery Road and Dixon Road, keep windows and doors closed if you live or work nearby, and stay away from the cordoned area.
Bristol Live is running a live blog with rolling updates as the incident develops. Anyone with safe, relevant information or images has been invited to contact the newsroom directly.
This is a developing story. Check official updates from Avon Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities before travelling through Brislington this afternoon.