CREWS have extinguished a fire that broke out at a North Somerset infant school this afternoon, with an investigation set to take place to determine the cause.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service were called to the blaze at Yatton Infant School at 1.18pm today (Monday, May 29).

Police closed the village's High Street while firefighters from across the district and Bristol attended the incident. 

The nearby Co-op Food store was also forced to shut while the emergency services responded to the fire.

Weston Mercury: Residents were asked to keep their windows and doors closed because of the smoke.Residents were asked to keep their windows and doors closed because of the smoke. (Image: Emz Tracey)

In a statement issued this evening, a fire service spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire at a school at 1.18pm.

“Crews from across the service were mobilised to the incident and on arrival found a significant fire affecting the school site.

“Over the course of the afternoon, crews from Clevedon, Weston, Blagdon, Nailsea, Avonmouth, Kingswood, Temple, Yate, Portishead and Bedminster attended the scene. 

“The area was sectorised, with nine fire engines, two turntable ladders and a command unit all in attendance at the height of the incident. 

“Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used 45mm jets and high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire. 

“Crews remain on the scene damping down the area. 

“The High Street was closed for some time by police colleagues to allow for crews to work safely at the scene, but has since reopened. 

“The cause of the incident is unknown awaiting a fire investigation in due course.”

Community members have thanked the emergency services for their response to the fire, including North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell. 

He tweeted: “Very sorry to hear about the blaze at the school in Yatton this afternoon.

“I understand that thankfully everyone is accounted for and the emergency services are doing their usual brilliant job to tackle the situation.”

One eyewitness, Emz Tracey, whose husband was among those who rang 999 after seeing smoke rising from the building, believes the fire has left the community ‘devastated’.

She said: “You could see the flames coming out of the roof. The smoke was so thick at one point, we couldn't see the Co-op or the car park.

“It's truly devastating for our community, the teachers and children.

“It's been a hard few years already with Covid, so to now have a school on fire is hard to comprehend.

“As a community I'm sure we will rally together to support everyone.”