A NUMBER of properties had to be evacuated as firefighters tackled a blaze at a Pudsey bathroom manufacturers overnight.

The fire, at Moulds Patterns and Models, Kent Road, broke out at around 10pm. 

A total of 15 fire engines and crews were sent to the fire at the building, which measured 60 metres by 40 metres and was well alight when firefighters arrived.

At the height of the blaze 70 firefighters were on the scene tackling the flames.

Video by Rik Ansbergs

The fire was brought under control inside two hours, and the fire was prevented from spreading to adjoining properties, but a number of properties had to be evacuated and people were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.

These people have now been able to return to their homes.

There was no-one inside the building and there have been no injuries caused by the blaze.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said some hazardous materials were stored in the building and there was a large smoke plume billowing from the fire.  

Seven fire engines remain at the scene this morning, and a fire investigation officer will be in attendance today.

Incident Commander Ronnie Goldwater said: “Crews have done very well to prevent the fire from spreading, especially given that they were working in freezing temperatures through the night.

“The fire is now out but it is still smoldering and there are pockets of hotspots which crews are damping down.

“Firefighters tackled the fire from outside the building as it was unsafe to enter and the roof has now collapsed in.

“The Fire Service will be working alongside a structural engineer today to ascertain the future of the building and it is likely that crews will remain on scene for at least the next 24-hour to 48 hours.

“Whilst the roads are now open again we urge people to avoid the area to help the Fire Service deal with this incident.”