Fire rips through Bradford school as thick smoke seen from across city
A huge blaze has broken out at an Islamic girls school in Bradford this morning, with thick clouds of smoke seen from miles away.
It is not known what caused the fire at Jamia Al-Hudaa, in Clayton area at the city, which firefighters were called to at 8.15am.
There have been no reports of injuries, but Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team are on the scene.
Iman Abu Sulaym tweeted: ‘Jaamia Girls Darul Uloom, Bradford has caught fire. Alahmdulillah, no staff or students inside besides security.’
Bradford Council said: ‘@WYFRS are dealing with a fire within one of the buildings at a school on Thornton View Road BD14.
‘Take care if you are in the area and allow space for the crews to access the area.’
One nearby resident commented: ‘The main part of the school, the newer buildings look OK. It looks like the main old building…was on fire.’
Roger Weetch, who lives right by the school, said he spotted the fire when he was walking his dog at 8am and alerted security staff, who had been unaware as the fire was at the back of the building.
At midday he said a fire engine was still parked in his driveway, although the hoses had been disconnected, suggesting the situation was under control.
He told the Telegraph and Argus: ‘The school are really good neighbours to have and the staff are friendly and helpful to others.’
Six fire crews from a number of surrounding towns and cities were sent to the blaze, while local bus routes have been diverted.
In a statement West Yorkshire Police said: ‘Police were called at 8.43am today (Saturday) to a report of a fire at a school building in Thornton View Road, Clayton.
‘Enquiries are ongoing with the fire service into the cause of the blaze.’
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