This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-23988681
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Major blaze at Rawdon air conditioning factory | Major blaze at Rawdon air conditioning factory |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A major fire at an air conditioning unit factory on the outskirts of Leeds has sent thick smoke across the city. | A major fire at an air conditioning unit factory on the outskirts of Leeds has sent thick smoke across the city. |
The blaze at Airedale Air Conditioning on Leeds Road in Rawdon was being tackled by about 100 firefighters. | |
West Yorkshire Fire Service said it was a "very significant" blaze but it was now under control and it hoped to be able to save a large part of the site. | West Yorkshire Fire Service said it was a "very significant" blaze but it was now under control and it hoped to be able to save a large part of the site. |
Roads were closed, causing traffic disruption, and motorists were urged to avoid the area. | Roads were closed, causing traffic disruption, and motorists were urged to avoid the area. |
About 20 fire engines were at the site and firefighters were expected to remain there overnight and well into Saturday, the fire service said. | |
Police warning | Police warning |
Dave Walton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "This is a very significant incident that's calling in resources from right across West Yorkshire." | Dave Walton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "This is a very significant incident that's calling in resources from right across West Yorkshire." |
Mr Walton said it was too early to know the cause of the blaze but a "robust investigation" would take place once it was safe for investigators to enter the building. | Mr Walton said it was too early to know the cause of the blaze but a "robust investigation" would take place once it was safe for investigators to enter the building. |
The A65 New Road Side in Rawdon was closed and congestion was building on other neighbouring routes. | The A65 New Road Side in Rawdon was closed and congestion was building on other neighbouring routes. |
Police urged drivers to stay away from the Calverley, Horsforth and Rawdon areas "unless absolutely necessary". | Police urged drivers to stay away from the Calverley, Horsforth and Rawdon areas "unless absolutely necessary". |
Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles. | Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles. |
Graham Branston emailed BBC News and said: "As I write, thick smoke 100ft high is still bellowing out of the works and has been for around an hour." | Graham Branston emailed BBC News and said: "As I write, thick smoke 100ft high is still bellowing out of the works and has been for around an hour." |
Leanne Lister tweeted: "The fire in Rawdon looks and sounds absolutely horrendous." | Leanne Lister tweeted: "The fire in Rawdon looks and sounds absolutely horrendous." |