Fire: is it a friend or a foe?

Yesterday a fire destroyed a considerable portion of Colston St, a halls of residence in the centre of the city.  

The fire started near the top of the building and is rumoured to have been caused by a pot of oil left heating in a kitchen.

The smouldering remains

Naturally the residents of Colston St weren’t too pleased, but The Tab decided to hit the streets of Bristol to find out what the rest of you think. Is fire a friend or a foe?

Ben, Second Year, History

Olive, Third Year, Classical Studies

“I think it’s that friend that’s stressful, it’s destructive but you need it. You wouldn’t have anything without fire. You wouldn’t be able to bake cakes.”

Cameron and Zack, Third Year, Geography

“Insurance is a friend…” “Obviously it’s a friend.  We need fire to create energy, right?” “In the student’s eyes it’s shit. What if someone was fast asleep? It’s not a friend.”

Cassandra, Third Year, Psychology

“I think the first impression it gives me is positive.  It’s warm but you can misuse fire.  I live in Unite House, it’s like a maze inside.  You can’t find a window or doors.”

Alastair, Second Year, English Literature 

“Definitely foe, absolutely foe.  I’m scared of fire, definitely.”

Nicollette, Sam and Jess, Second Year, Philosophy

“Definitely a friend!  If you fry things it’s easier to control the heat.” “I think it’s the most destructive of all the elements, it’s the most misunderstood. Think about Avatar: The Last Airbender.” “I love a good bonfire!”

Emma, Second Year, Psychology

“Definite friend!  Reminds me of a friend’s birthday sat around a bonfire.”

Libor and Paul, Third Year, Medicine 

“It depends.  If you use it wisely, it can be a friend.”  “Fire can reset things.  Burn an old building down and make a new one.”  “Fire was how we evolved.”