Leeds Road fire: Cause of the blaze is 'undetermined'

Crews from across West Yorkshire scrambled to Heaton Motor Factors on Leeds Road just after 12pm on June 12.

Smoke was pouring from the building and explosions could be heard as firefighters tackled the blaze.

A fire caused extensive damage to Heaton Motor Factors on Leeds Road (Image: Newsquest)

Both floors of the auto parts store were engulfed in flames, and emergency services were heard telling the public to "get back" amid the dangerous scenes.

West Yorkshire Police shut a large section of the busy road and advised drivers to avoid the area for most of the day.

Smoke billows out of the building as firefighters battle the fire at Heaton Motor Factors (Image: Newsquest)

In the aftermath of the blaze, the fire service told the Telegraph & Argus that the building was deemed “too dangerous” to enter.

In an update this week, a spokesperson said the fire investigation team has "recorded the fire as undetermined, as they can’t confirm if it’s accidental or deliberate". 

The building is now covered by scaffolding and a metal panel has been placed across the outside of the building.

Bradford Council has worked with the fire service, a local builder, and the building owner to secure the building and clear debris from the road.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “Bradford Council’s Building Control team have been working closely with WYFRS, a local builder (who happens to own the building next door to the premises and was known to our Building Control team), and the building’s owner to secure the building, and clear debris from the pavement and road.”

There were dramatic scenes as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. 

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

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

Irfan Haider, owner of Phones Doctor which sits next door to Heaton Motor Factors, told the T&A: "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.

"It was very shocking to see.”