Smoke may have been seen emanating from the Richard Dunn Sports Center following reports of a fire at the scene.
(Image: Amanda Teague)
More details have emerged about the fire at Bradford’s disused sports centre.
A fire broke out at Bradford’s Richard Dunn Sports Centre, sending smoke from the building.
The Ozsal, Fairweather Green and Cleckheaton crews were called into the incident yesterday (Saturday, January 28) at 4:09 pm and remained on site for over an hour.
The fire was on the ground floor of the centre, with 5% of the building engulfed in fire, a spokesman for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed yesterday.
Richard Dunn Sports Center photographed earlier this month (Image: Newsquest)
A spokesman for the Odsal Fire Department confirmed today that the cause of the fire was suspected to be deliberate ignition. He said it was a small fire and they were unable to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
He added that the fire was several meters square and the site was resecured last night. Police were also at the scene after the shooting Saturday.
Trustee David Green (Lab, Wibsey) tweeted last night:
“City councilors went to the site and spoke with local residents.
“We thank the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt and professional action in preventing further damage and threat to life.”
I saw smoke coming out of the Richard Dunn Sports Center (Image: Amanda Teague)
Two breathing apparatus and a large jet were used at the scene. A technical rescue team from the Cleckheaton Fire Department was deployed.
Witnesses told Telegraph & Argus they saw three fire engines and a rapid response vehicle at the scene. They added that the smoke was getting worse from the pool side of the building.
The Richard Dunn Sports Center was built in 1974 and closed in November 2019. This coincided with the opening of his £17.5m Sedberg Leisure Center complex nearby.
The center, named after boxer Richard Dunne who fought against Muhammad Ali in 1976, was given Listed status by Historic England in 2022.
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