Dewsbury fire: Dramatic moment flames rage and smoke pours from massive blaze at former school building
Videos show smoke pouring from a blaze at a derelict school building in Dewsbury.
Dramatic footage - captured by Rebecca Denvers - shows a fire raging at the former Birkdale High School in Dewsbury yesterday evening (March 25).
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the derelict building just before 6.40pm, with crews working through the night to put out the fire.
The firefighters were initially unable to reach the fire due to a fallen tree, but were eventually able to gain access. Large jets were used to battle the blaze.
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In an update at 7am today (March 26), the fire service said that the blaze had been extinguished, with crews damping down with one hosereel and the incident de-escalated to two fire engines.
In a series of updates on its incident webpage, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Initial reports from 1 caller of smoke from roof of derelict school building. Crews initially struggled for access due to a fallen tree.
“Crews relocated to Healds Road, gained access and identified the area on fire. Shortly after 8pm, crews in attendance requested to "Make Pumps 6" - 2 more fire engines and supporting appliances and officers were sent.”
A 10pm update said: “Building measures approx. 70m x 50m and is of 2 floors with approx. 50% of the 2nd floor involved. No casualties or injuries reported.
“Crews using a total of 4 large jets and 1 ground monitor at this time.
“Fire crews were supported by Yorkshire Ambulance Service, West Yorkshire Police, Kirklees Council, Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Northern Power and Northern Gas Networks.”
As of 1.30am “some supporting appliances and crews have been stood down” and four fire engines remained at the scene.
In an update at 5.30am today, the fire service added: “We continue to have 4 crews in attendance taking in the sunrise and using 2 large jets on the property.”
The latest note from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Fire now out; crews damping down with 1 hosereel. Incident de-escalated to 2 fire engines.”