The ferocious blaze that ripped through a building in the Lawkholme area of Keighley this week caused massive damage to the premises.

Its close proximity to houses must have struck fear into the hearts of nearby residents, some of whom were evacuated by police as a precautionary measure.

Thanks to the fantastic efforts of the firefighters, who were on the scene within minutes, the inferno was contained and prevented from spreading to neighbouring properties. The incident occurred less than 15 hours before Fire Brigades’ Union members staged their latest walkout in the ongoing dispute over pensions. It is uncertain what would have happened had the blaze broken out during the strike. Union bosses have previously indicated members would return to work in periods of action if major incidents happened. Tuesday’s incident has not only highlighted the tremendous work carried out by our fire crews, but has brought home the need for this dispute to be resolved as quickly as possible. Irrespective of the ins and outs of the contentious issues, it is imperative both sides get around the table.