Capturing 40 years of West Yorkshire fires

A commemorative book 
featuring dramatic photos of major blazes tackled by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been launched this week to celebrate 40 years since the brigade formed.
The Allied Colloids fire in 1992The Allied Colloids fire in 1992
The Allied Colloids fire in 1992

Images of Fire, Into action with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, marks four decades since the seven brigades amalgamated to form the Birkenshaw-based West Yorkshire Fire Service in April 1974.

The pictures include the tragic Bradford City fire in 1985 which killed 56 people and injured many others, and the Allied Colloids chemical plant fire in Low Moor in 1992.

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The book also shows how the brigade has evolved through technological and cultural changes.

The aftermath of the fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade.The aftermath of the fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade.
The aftermath of the fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “Images of Fire is dedicated to all the men and women who have helped provide and deliver a tremendous service to the public and business communities of West Yorkshire over the last 40 years.”

It also pays a lasting tribute to fireman Jeff Naylor who died in July 1983, two months after suffering severe burns attempting to rescue children from a house fire at Keighley.

He was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

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The fire claimed the lives of two children, though three more were saved.

Images of Fire is Neil Wallington’s eighteenth book. It costs £14.99 in shops or direct from Jeremy Mills Publishing, on 01484 463340 or www.firebookshop.co.uk.

The images were taken by the service’s photographic team, Brian Saville, Andrew Hanson and Ken Wilkinson.

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