Owner of Phones Doctor, Leeds Road, in shock after fire

AN owner has spoken of his shock after plumes of smoke filled his Bradford shop following a huge fire at a neighbouring business.

Crews from across West Yorkshire scrambled to Leeds Road just after 12pm on Wednesday and explosions could be heard as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Both floors of auto parts store Heaton Motor Factors were involved in the fire, with emergency services heard telling the public to "get back" amid the dangerous scenes.

A fire engine at the scene (Image: Newsquest) West Yorkshire Police shut a large section of Leeds Road and advised drivers to avoid the area for much of Wednesday afternoon.

The 72 and X6 First Bus services were also diverted between Killinghall Road and Leeds Old Road to and from Thornbury.

Irfan Haider, owner of Phones Doctor which sits next door to the 5m x 10m Heaton Motor Factors, was alerted to the incident by his staff.

The fire service damping down at the incident in Leeds Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, he said: "When the fire started, Maz (the Heaton Motor Factors owner) came to us asking for a fire extinguisher.

"My guys tried to help him (extinguish the fire) but it was already too late.

"They rang me and I looked at the cameras and the smoke was already coming through my shop.

"I rushed to the shop and came to the scene to see extreme smoke. There was nothing I could say, nothing I could do."

A large number of firefighters were needed (Image: Newsquest) Mr Haider will now not be able to get back into his shop for a "couple of days".

He added: "It was very shocking to see. At first, we thought the three buildings had gone on fire.

"I then saw it was only smoke that came into our building. Luckily our staff are all safe, they were able to escape from our shop. 

"The owner is still in shock."

Smoke was bellowing out of the building (Image: Newsquest) Sirens could be heard in various parts of the city as fire engines and at least two incident response ambulances scrambled to the scene.

An aerial ladder platform was brought in as the fire service tried to secure a higher point from which to fight the flames.

Firefighters could be seen smashing the windows at Heaton Motor Factors in order to gain better access to the blaze.

The smoke hung over the neighbourhood, with one observer describing the air as polluted by "thick and acrid smoke."

An aerial appliance was used (Image: Newsquest) A worker at the nearby Florida Fried Chicken said: "We have lost out on business.

"We are a bit far away, it's not exactly next-door, but as soon as the emergency services came, we had no customers."

One passer-by added: "It is mayhem here.

"The road is closed and smoke is billowing out of the building.

"Firefighters are doing their best to extinguish the blaze.

"I can hear explosions. They're telling the public to get back."

The scene was taped off for most of the afternoon (Image: Newsquest) Heaton Motors has two branches in the city, with the other shop on Oak Lane.

According to its website, the business is used by "car enthusiasts throughout West Yorkshire including Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield".

Bradford Moor Ward Councillor Mohammed Shafiq has been using the shop for years and was sad to see what had happened.

"This is a shock to everyone on Leeds Road," he said.

The fire service damping down at the incident in Leeds Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)

"I have been to this shop on many occasions for buying car parts. 

"It is quite sad to see what has happened to this local business which has been thriving for the last 15-20 years.

"It is in the heart of the community and is a very popular business.

"I really want to praise our emergency services who are dealing with this."

Crews from Bradford, Stanningley and Odsal were firstly sent out to deal with the fire at 11.54am.

At 12.09pm, a request was made for two more fire engines and an aerial appliance - supporting appliances and officers were also sent to assist.

Other agencies were also informed at that time including police and ambulance.

Two further fire engines were needed at 12.42pm, meaning there were seven pumps at the scene.

Two sectors were then formed where three large jets, three hose reels, an aerial appliance and eight firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus were used.