Firefighters still at scene of major Bradford fire

They were called to Annison Street, in the Leeds Road area of the city, at around 2.45am, to reports of a four-storey building on fire. 

Firefighters from across the district helped to bring the blaze under control. 

Locals were urged to keep their windows shut, while around 30 residents in the had to be evacuated by Bradford Council’s Emergency Planning Team, as smoke clouds were sent across the sky.

The fire also caused disruption to travel, with several bus services being forced to divert in both directions, while a number of roads in the area were also blocked.

An environment management expert from the Environment Agency also attended, checking if any nearby water courses had been contaminated.

As of this morning, one fire engine and one aerial appliance remain at the scene, damping down.

There were no reports of any serious injuries, but the fire resulted in the structural collapse of the roof of the main building.

Bradford Council advised that residents living on Upper Mosscar Street, Maudsley Street and Percival Street were able to return to their homes last night, but some were without power.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Our Building Control team has been on site yesterday and today to work with the owner to make the building safe.

"Following further examination of the building, it has been determined that some demolition will be necessary to make the building structurally safe.

"The planning of that work is now underway.”

The spokesperson added that power was restored to all properties last night.