Probe launched into how Canterbury Youth Centre fire started

On Monday, crews from across West Yorkshire were called to the Canterbury Youth Centre on Arum Street at around 8.30am, where they found smoke pouring from the roof before it erupted into flames.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control within an hour. At the moment, there is no known cause.

The fire damage was so severe the centre is now set to be demolished this week, due to its instability and dangerous condition.

Smoke poured from the roof of the building before it erupted into flames (Image: Newsquest)

The Telegraph & Argus visited the centre on Tuesday at around 10am, where fly-tipped rubbish was scattered across the rubble.

This included bags of rubbish, tree branches and fridge freezers.

The site has been plagued with fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour since it shut in 2020.

A crane could also be seen beginning the clearing-up process and demolition.

A crane was seen clearing the rubble (Image: Newsquest)

Station Manager Michael Fox, from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The place had been subject to quite a bit of vandalism and anti-social behaviour since it shut, and this fire has now caused further damage.

“We worked together with Bradford Council about the precarious situation the building is now in, and they are now making it safe ahead of it being pulled down.”

The fire damage was so severe the centre is now set to be demolished this week, due to its instability and dangerous condition. (Image: Newsquest)

Firefighters left the scene by Monday lunchtime after damping down the premises.

Crews from Normanton, Killingbeck, and Shipley remained on the scene into the afternoon as a precaution while work to make the building safe was undertaken.

People were told to avoid the area, and residents and businesses were asked to keep windows closed.

The centre was shut in 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

A resident, who did not wish to be named, lived opposite the centre for over 50 years.

She said: “It’s dramatic. It (the centre) used to be a nice area.

“I lived opposite the centre for 56 years. It (the centre) used to be a nice place to come.”

One Ringwood Road resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “It was just a matter of time before this happened. It’s a dumping ground. It’s scary."

On Monday, Bradford Council told the T&A work was being prepared before the fire and the demolition is now expected to be completed in the next three weeks.

Bradford-based charity, One In A Million, is currently applying for money from the Government, so it can make use of the site.