Arson attack at Kirklees College, Huddersfield.

The empty Kirklees College building was alight again last night (08/11/2016), and as fire crews responded from Huddersfield to the incident, flames were already showing from the building. This site had been the location of numerous arson attacks in past months.

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.

Investigations suggest #Arson cause of fire at #Lister #Primary #school,#Bradford

Fire investigations into last Wednesdays school fire have shown that the fire was started in a storage cupboard with the fire then spreading to the classroom. This caused over 200 pupils and 36 staff to evacuate the building. The total cost of the damage has not yet been fully assessed, but the school is unable to be used and portable classrooms are being brought onto the site for use as a temporary measure.

Seven fire crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were needed to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the school. 

The School building measuring approx 75m x 75m was approx 25% involved in fire and was well alight as crews arrived. Early intervention by crews with Breathing apparatus help stop the fire from developing into a more significant blaze

Some of the Fire Appliances on Farfield Street

It is hoped that the school will reopen on Monday