THE cause of a devastating fire that ripped through a row of Bradford bungalows has been revealed.
The blaze took hold just before midnight on The Crescent in Buttershaw on Sunday.
Two of the homes, which are run by Anchor Housing, were 100 per cent involved in the blaze, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said.
The aftermath of the fire (Image: Newsquest)
The fire service said there were seven casualties, who were all out of the properties when firefighters arrived.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service added that three people were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary.
The scene this morning at The Crescent in Buttershaw following a large fire last night pic.twitter.com/P5e0gA9ypj
— Telegraph & Argus (@Bradford_TandA) July 22, 2024
The fire service has said the blaze was caused by the "improper disposal of smoking materials".
It started in a bin storage area outside a property.
Smoking materials came into contact with combustible materials stored within this area, investigators said.
Crews used four hose reels, two large jets, four breathing apparatus, and one aerial appliance to extinguish the fire.
On Monday, Anchor Housing said it has a "robust fire safety plan in place" and that it was "working with the fire brigade who are investigating the cause".
In a statement sent to the Telegraph & Argus, it added: "The safety and wellbeing of our residents is paramount.”
(Image: Newsquest)
When the T&A visited the scene on Monday morning, residents, who did not wish to be named, spoke of their shock.
Recalling the night, one said: "I could hear all the commotion around my bungalow. I thought what the heck is going on?
"I got out of bed and had a look outside my front window. I saw all the fire engines and that is when I decided to open my front door.
"I wasn't sure whether to stop in here in case it set off on mine. It is so close.
"I was shaking when I got outside. My next-door neighbour said 'come in here and I will make you a drink'. We were both shocked.
"The roof was well on fire. That had gone up very quickly. We were all pretty frightened."
A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said: "Investigators have determined this fire was caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.
"The fire started external to the property in the bin storage area.
"Smoking materials had come into contact with combustible materials stored within this area.
"Our advice, as always, would be to always dispose of smoking material responsibly making sure it is fully out.
"Where possible, do not store wheelie bins and combustible items directly against your property."
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