MORE details have emerged about a fire at a disused sports centre in Bradford.

A fire at Richard Dunn Sports Centre in Bradford saw smoke coming out of the building.

Crews from Odsal, Fairweather Green and Cleckheaton were called to the incident at 4.09pm yesterday (Saturday, January 28) and they remained at the scene for more than an hour.

The blaze was on the ground floor of the centre, with five per cent of the building involved in the fire, a West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman confirmed yesterday.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Richard Dunn Sports Centre pictured earlier this month Richard Dunn Sports Centre pictured earlier this month (Image: Newsquest)

An Odsal Fire Station spokesman today confirmed the cause of the fire is a suspected deliberate ignition. He said it was a small fire and they are unable to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

He added the size of the fire was a couple of metres square and the site was re-secured last night. Police were also at the scene following then fire on Saturday.

Councillor David Green (Lab, Wibsey) tweeted last night: “A small fire has caused damage to the building, the extent of which has not been confirmed but does not appear substantial.

“Councillors have been down to the site and spoken to local residents.

“Thanks are due to the quick and professional actions of West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service who prevented further damage and threat to life.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Smoke could seen coming from the Richard Dunn Sports Centre Smoke could seen coming from the Richard Dunn Sports Centre (Image: Amanda Teague)

Two breathing apparatus and a large jet were used at the scene. A technical rescue unit from Cleckheaton Fire Station was deployed. 

A witness told the Telegraph & Argus they saw three fire engines and fast response vehicle at the scene. They added that the smoke was getting worse from the pool side of the building.

The Richard Dunn Sports Centre was built in 1974 and shut its doors in November 2019 – coinciding with the opening of the nearby £17.5m Sedbergh Leisure Centre complex.

The centre, named after the boxer Richard Dunn who faced Muhammad Ali in 1976, was given listed status by Historic England in 2022.

 

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