A SUSPECTED cannabis farm was discovered after a fire ripped through the dormer of a house in Keighley.

Firefighters from across the district tackled the blaze, which broke out in Nashville Terrace, Fell Lane, shortly before 7am today.

Crews from Keighley, Bingley and Shipley – and an aerial platform from Bradford – attended.

At the height of the fire, three hose reels and four breathing apparatus sets were used.

Firefighters had to force entry to the terrace house, which was unoccupied.

And neighbouring properties were evacuated after smoke seeped into their loft areas.

"When we received the initial call it was reported people may have been in the house," said Michael Rhodes, watch commander at Keighley fire station.

"On arrival, flames were coming from the dormer and the whole area was smoke logged."

A special, high-pressure ventilation fan was used to help clear the smoke as firefighters tackled the flames.

"We had the fire under control fairly quickly," added Mr Rhodes.

"The fire itself was contained to the loft area but there was also smoke damage to the first floor."

He said the cause of the fire was still under investigation, but it was believed to be an electrical fault.

Police, called to the incident by the fire service, confirmed that a suspected cannabis production facility had been found.

A spokesman said inquiries were ongoing.

The landlord of the property, who asked not to be named, said he had been alerted to the fire by neighbours.

He lives nearby.

"I came straight round to see what was happening," he said.

"I'm really shocked."

Mr Rhodes said no smoke detectors were fitted in the house.

For free installation of detectors, contact Keighley fire station on 01535 607401.