Kirkgate fire: roads close as huge blaze breaks out at derelict building
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service sent out eight fire engines to extinguish the billowing flames in Kirkgate this morning.
A derelict three-storey building went up in flames in Kirkgate, Leeds city centre this morning, 3 July 2023.
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at around 04:40am, when the fire is thought to have sparked, and have been tackling the fire ever since.
It is thought 60% of the building was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters battle serious blaze in Leeds city centre Over 50 firefighters are currently battling a serious fire in the centre of #Leeds. The fire broke out at a commercial building on Kirkgate at around 4:30am. https://t.co/8h9OlA5R7C https://t.co/qUElauv0Ar
— YappApp (@YappAppLtd) July 3, 2023
A spokesperson said eight appliances from across the brigade were at the scene as well as specialist resources and officers.
Great amounts of smoke could be seen wafting over Kirkgate, Harper Street and New York Street, all of which have been closed following the incident.
Inrix Traffic Data’s latest update reads: “Harper Street in both directions closed, heavy traffic due to building fire from Kirkgate to New York Street. New York Street and Kirkgate are also closed due to the fire.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service posted the following statement on its website: “Derelict building fire, three storeys, 60% involved in fire.
“Crews currently using eight Firefighting appliances, two Aerial ladder platforms, three large jets and two hose reels to extinguish the fire.”
“Appliances from across the brigade are in attendance along with specialist resources and officers.”
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The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
The incident is described as ongoing whilst emergency services work to bring the blaze back under control, it is though that the majority of the fire has been tackled.
Featured image – The Hoot Leeds