As you may be aware there is an on-going major fire in the East Bowling area of Bradford at the Ontrak Karting site that is believed to have started around 4:30am this morning. There are around 100 firefighters from across the district working to bring the fire under control.
The fire has caused serious disruption in the local area due to road closures, public transport delays and the closure of several schools and businesses in the area. Bradford Council have confirmed that Bronte Girls Academy, Rainbow Primary School and Dixons City Academy have been closed. The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have advised people living in the surrounding areas to keep their doors and windows closed due to the fumes from burning tyres.
Network Rail have confirmed that they have stopped all trains to/from Bradford Interchange and are waiting until the fire has been contained so that they can send teams out to safely check equipment and carry out any repairs needed. A train operator from Network Rail tweeted: “A large fire at a go-kart track next to the railway at Bradford Interchange is on fire. Around 8,000 tyres and railway equipment are at risk from the fire which is around 50m from the railway [track]”
The fire is concentrated on Upper Castle Street of East Bowling, however other streets and roads have been closed including the junction of Manchester Road and Mill Lane, the junction of Spring Mill Street and Parma Street and Bolling Road.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that they have been investigating reports of tyres being stored illegally at the site since July and are currently supporting West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service at the site.
The roads closed because of the fire are: Albany Street, Spring Mill Street, Parma Street, Wood Road, Upper Castle Street, Bowling Old Lane, Mill Lane, Ripley Street, Nelson Street and Round Street/Gaythorne Lane.
Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East said: “I have spoken this morning with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services regarding this major incident in East Bowling and I will continue to liaise with them throughout today. I urge local residents to stay inside and to keep their doors and windows closed and to follow the advice from the emergency services.”
Should you require any advice or support please contact the Commissioning Team On 01274 434500 or email CommissioningInbox@bradford.gov.uk