LATEST: Bradford Mill Fire

29 January 2016, 13:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Firefighters who tackled the huge fire at a Bradford mill, are being praised for their 'tireless work'.

At its height around 25 engines and 125 firefighters were on Lumb Lane, trying to bring the flames at Drummond Mill under control.
Around 100 people living in surrounding properties and from local businesses were evacuated due to
carbon monoxide levels in the area.
They are today being allowed back to their homes.
Luckily were no injuries as a result of the inferno.
Seven fire engines remain at the scene damping down as senior officers work alongside
Bradford Council and their structural engineers, considering potential demolition of the significantly
damaged building.
Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ian Bitcon said: "The fire was initially in the basement of a building
which was part of the mill complex.
"By nature basement fires are incredibly difficult to tackle because there is nowhere for the heat and
smoke to go.
"Firefighters were committed into this incredibly arduous and high risk environment and worked
courageously to stop the fire spreading to the rest of the mill.
"Despite their determined efforts the fire broke out and spread very quickly to the adjacent mill buildings.
"Throughout my entire career I can honestly say I have never seen firefighters work as hard as they did to
try and knock this fire back."
As the blaze spread to the four storey mill building (adjacent to Lumb Lane) and a five storey building at
the rear of the site, officers made the tactical decision to remove crews from inside for their own safety.
From this point the fire was fought from the outside with priority being prevention of further spread to
nearby properties, including Green Lane School.
Temp ACO Ian Bitcon added: "This fire was ferocious and the intense heat at close proximity was stifling.
"The height of the fire was at around 3pm and it was under control by 10.30pm, and it is thanks to the
firefighters that did not spread elsewhere.
"The building has suffered significant damage and structural collapse, so our priority today is working
alongside our partners to determine the next steps."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The public is still advised to use caution today and stay away from the area if possible as there are still
smoke plumes - keep windows closed if possible.

Picture courtesy of @eamonkward