Kirkgate in Leeds remains closed as damping down continues and Police and fire investigators examine the scene for the cause of yesterday afternoons fire, which brought mayhem to the City centre throughout the evening rush hour and early evening. There were some doubts as to the structures safety after the fire and this is also being examined.
The fire is believed to have started at around 4.30pm yesterday (06/11/2015), shortly after the shop Hill’s Furniture Store on Kirkgate, Leeds, closed for the day. No-one is thought to have been inside, but the building is said to be “at risk of collapse”.
The blaze caused Friday evening rush hour traffic chaos, with Kirkgate being closed between High Court and Vicar Lane. Fire crews from stations across the brigade area were mobilised to the scene. as the incident progressed further crews were requested including a Hose Laying appliance from Stanningley. In total West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said around 35 firefighters and eight pumps had been dispatched to the fire at Hill’s Furniture Store on Kirkgate, Leeds, close to the Corn Exchange.
Hundreds of onlookers have gathered at the scene and are being moved clear by the emergency services. West Yorkshire Police said it had officers in attendance at the incident helping with cordons and road closures.
Fire crews used 6 Large jet's, 3 Aerial appliances, Ground Monitors, Breathing Apparatus and Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans. The rear part of the 3 storey premise appeared to have been worst affected in the fire. Fire crews from Leeds (2 and Aerial), Cookridge (1), Moortown (1), Hunslet (2), Rothwell (1), Morley (1), Rawdon (1), Bradford (CARP), Fairweather Green (CU / Welfare Unit ), Stanningley (HL).
The Hill’s store was founded in 1946. Its website says the shop provides a “good, honest and friendly service” and stocks “modern and traditional” items to suit all tastes. Roads in the area remain closed and fire crews continue damping down at the scene.
