TWO adjoining primary schools in Bradford have been closed to most pupils today after a fire broke out at one of them.
Firefighters were called to St Cuthbert and The First Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Scotchman Road at 2.46pm yesterday after the blaze broke out in one classroom and spread to three others.
The fire breaks through the school roof. PICTURE: Abe Brown
At its height seven engines from Fairweather Green, Odsal, Rawdon, Shipley, Bradford, Cleckheaton and Idle stations were at the scene.
Police were also called to help with the evacuation of pupils and staff.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Smoke pours from the school roof. PICTURE: Abe Brown
Daniel Copley, executive head teacher at St Cuthbert & The First Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School, said: “We evacuated the school quickly and all children and staff were kept safe, which is always our key priority.
"The fire brigade brought the fire under control and we will support their investigation into how the fire started.”
Police and firefighters at the scene of the fire
Clare Bussingham, chairman of governors at the school, said it would be most likely be closed for the rest of the week.
She said: "The fire service have done really well in dealing with this.
"The children were upset, but were really calm during the whole thing."
Abe Brown, who has lived on the nearby Brunel Close for 11 years, said the flames had really taken hold by the time fire crews arrived.
"I saw a lot of smoke, and it just got thicker and thicker," he said.
"I couldn’t see what had started the fire, but the flames were really shooting out of the roof.
Firefighters at the scene
"The staff and children had all been evacuated in good time and had gathered on the opposite side of Scotchman Road.
"There was quite a crowd outside. I've lived here a long time and never seen a fire like that before, it was quite a shock."
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Today it was confirmed that St Cuthbert and neignbouring Lister Primary, which suffered smoke damage, were closed to all but Year Six pupils who have SATs exams.
St Cuthbert Year Six pupils were sitting their exams in St Cuthbert church hall.
Lister Primary will be closed to all pupils tomorrow.
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