On the initial turn out three appliances were sent to the fire which on arrival was made up to five pumps. The location on Portland street in the town was closed off by police to enable fire crews to work.
The fire in the two storey building, involved the first floor and roof . Crews had to wear breathing apparatus to enter and search the building for any persons that may have been inside. Crews used six Large jets and Huddersfield's CARP to tackle the fire from above.
The incident escalated to a MP x 10, crews required for water and Breathing apparatus wearers.
Watch Commander Darren Bagley said: “It was a targeted arson attack" It’s believed Tuesday’s fire originated on the first and second floors, in the old languages corridor and library area. Sending crews inside the building was hazardous but there was no other way to check the property for life risk and also extinguish the fire.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Yorkshire attended the incident, alongside other supervisory officers.
Crews attended from Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Rastrick, Cleckheaton, Mirfield, Dewsbury, Halifax, Pontefract, Fairweather Green and Meltham attended along with other supporting appliances.
