Gutted

At its height, the suspected arson at Carlton Bolling College needed 85 fire fighters from across West Yorkshire to keep it from running out of control.

High winds at the Undercliffe Road college, Undercliffe, fanned the flames putting the fire fighters at risk from sudden changes in direction of the blaze.

As he surveyed the scene of destruction today, Mr Willis was horrified by what he saw.

"I'm devastated, my chair of governors is devastated and the teachers and students will be devastated too," he said.

"But we will pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and crack on. Our immediate priority is to get all the services back to the main school building."

The fire is thought to have destroyed students' vital GCSE course work.

At its height 14 fire engines from across the county were at the scene to tackle the blaze which tore through the college's science labs, destroying 15 classrooms, and spread to the roof of the neighbouring gym.

Fire fighters on a hydraulic platform tried to douse the flames and stop them from spreading to the main building.

Assistant Divisional Officer Martin Day, of West Yorkshire Fire Service, who was in charge at the scene, said: "The classrooms were already well alight when we arrived and the extremely high winds were making the fire incredibly difficult to fight.

"The wind was pushing the fire one way and then the other which made it an extremely hazardous situation for our fire fighters and their safety was our paramount concern."

The alarm was raised shortly after 8.40pm. Bradford Central Sub-Officer Eric Wilson, who was in charge of the first crew on the scene, said: "The winds were fanning the fire faster than we could fight it. The flames were being whipped up in all directions.

"It was one of the most difficult jobs I've ever attended. It really was horrendous. When we arrived on the scene flames were shooting out of the top of a classroom block."

Head teacher Mr Willis said he was first informed of the fire when his deputy called at his home.

"I obviously came in straight away. The building was still burning at that time and several of my senior colleagues were already in attendance.

"The fire services did an absolutely magnificent job to contain the fire to the area they did although it has affected a considerable section of the school but if the wind had been blowing in another direction I think it would have taken the whole building with it.

"The flames were being whipped around in an exceptionally ferocious manner.

"It looks as if we have lost the whole of the technology block and the sports hall and gym have been substantially water damaged."

Mr Willis said the technology buildings lost in the fire contained a large amount of course work and he would be contacting all examination boards today to tell them of the college's position.

He said: "The one thing we can say with absolute certainty is that no student will be disadvantaged in their exams because of this."

Police are treating the fire as suspicious and fire crews continued to damp down the building today as fire investigators carried out a detailed search of the charred remains.

Students at the 1,300 strong college were being told to stay at home today until alternative arrangements could be finalised.

During the fire, one member of staff at the scene, who did not want to be named, said: "I can't describe the feeling it's too distressing. It's a horrendous sight."

Witness Sonia Dickenson, 35, who lives in Undercliffe Road opposite the college, said: "I was watching London's Burning on the TV when I heard the fire engines coming up. I didn't realise it was this bad but it's terrible. I feel really sorry for the school. It's a terrible mess. Some of the classrooms have been totally gutted. It will take a lot to come back from this."

Student Saeeb Akhtar, 18, who has been studying at the College for five years, said: "I can't believe it - it's a terrible sight. I don't know how we will be able to carry on our studies without the classrooms I think all our course work is in there."

Inspector Gerald Benson, of Bradford Central Police, said: "We will liaise with fire investigators today before making a decision about any further action."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.