A troubling incident has rocked Bristol’s van dwelling community.

A caravan on Saville Road was completely destroyed in what is suspected to have been an arson attack.

Firefighters and police responded quickly after neighbors reported hearing explosions late on the night of Thursday, February 13.

This comes at a time when the number of people living in vehicles in the city has surged by an alarming 400%, now reaching a total of 680 individuals.

Firefighters Tackle the Blaze

Emergency crews from both Temple and Southmead Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene on Saville Road, close to Parrys Lane in Stoke Bishop.

When they arrived, they found a caravan engulfed in flames.

The firefighters worked quickly, using water jets and hose reels to bring the fire under control.

Two of them wore breathing equipment as a precaution.

They also used a thermal imaging camera to check for any remaining heat spots to ensure the fire had been fully extinguished. Police were also on hand to ensure the area was safe.

The authorities suspect the fire was deliberately set.

No Other Damages or Injuries

The fire caused extensive damage to the caravan, leaving only its charred remains.

Fortunately, no other vehicles parked on the road were affected, and there were no reports of injuries.

Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into what caused the fire.

Meanwhile, Bristol City Council met on Friday to discuss how to address the increasing issue of vehicle dwellers in the area.

Growing Number of Van Dwellers

The number of people living in vehicles around Bristol has grown significantly in recent years.

According to city officials, up to 680 vehicles are being used as homes, with people parked in various locations like near the M32, Fishponds, and The Downs.

One van dweller, who spoke anonymously to the BBC, shared that he had no other choice.

He had run out of money and was unable to find housing after the council turned down his application.

“I came to Bristol because there’s more work here,” he said.

“I’m a builder, but I can’t afford to live in the houses I’m building.”

The Council’s Response

In response to the growing number of van dwellers, Bristol City Council is working on a new policy designed to understand, support, and collaborate with the community.

The council is reviewing a report that proposes measures to improve living conditions for people living in vehicles.

These could include establishing permanent sites with essential facilities like running water.

Additionally, there’s talk of creating a “Vehicle Dweller Voices” group to ensure these individuals have a platform to express their needs and concerns.

A Shift in Approach

Councillor Barry Parsons, who chairs the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, emphasized that the discussion surrounding van dwellers had become increasingly polarized.

“This report is an attempt to bring new thinking to the issue, focusing on the health and well-being of both those living in vehicles and their housed neighbors,” he said.

The council acknowledges the significant challenges posed by this growing community but recognizes that its current approach is not sustainable.

They are committed to reducing the need for people to live in vehicles by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Bristol.

Previous Efforts to Address the Issue

In addition to the new policy, the council has previously taken action in response to the growing number of vehicle dwellers.

Back in November, following complaints from local residents, they implemented a plan to prevent people from parking in certain busy streets.

They placed large wooden planters along St George’s Park to deter van dwellers from parking in the area.

This came after the council had issued an eviction notice to those living in motorhomes near the park, citing issues with anti-social behavior.

While most residents complied with the notice within 28 days, some van dwellers remained in place despite the eviction order.

Looking to the Future

As the debate around van dwelling continues, Bristol City Council is facing a difficult balancing act.

They are committed to finding solutions that meet the needs of both the growing number of van dwellers and the broader community.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for those living in vehicles in Bristol and how the city will address the ongoing housing crisis.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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