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16
Sept 2024
Mayor praises ‘community spirit’ as investigation into Pateley Bridge blaze continues
The Mayor of Pateley Bridge has praised the community for its spirit after a building was engulfed in flames over the weekend.
This morning, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed further details on the fire which fire crews attended on Saturday evening.
An incident log published by the service said multiple crews from across the county were called to a “large building fire” on King Street at around 10.12pm on September 14.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Lofthouse volunteer fire station joined forces with other crews to tackle the blaze due to low crew numbers at Summerbridge fire station.
The site was described as a “commercial and residential premises” and crews remained on scene for several hours.
The fire service said:
The fire involved a two-storey building, measuring around 15×40 metres. The fire had broken through the roof the building. Crews remained at the scene for several hours fighting the fire and extinguishing hotspots. Crews used breathing apparatus, main jets and hose reel jets and an aerial ladder platform. The investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going.
Image: Lofthouse volunteer fire station
The fire affected a residential property as well as King Street Workshops.
The workshops shared some details on social media saying it had been affected by the fire.
The creative space is housed in the former warehouse complex which is run as a craft space aimed at bringing together individual artists and makers.
It announced earlier today that two spaces are closed, Moxon and Simm Jewellers in unit 1 and Fiona Mazza Ceramics at unit 2.
The update shared to social media said the spaces “will be closed until further notice but the other studios will be open as normal".
The aftermath of the fire. Image: King Street Workshops
Chris Thompson, mayor of Pateley Bridge, told the Stray Ferret today that the community had "pulled together" to help tackle the fire.
He added that one person was taken to hospital as a result of the blaze.
Mr Thompson said:
We are still assessing the situation but at least two businesses have been completely gutted and one residential building was affected meaning one person has been made homeless and is currently in hospital.
As mayor I have huge gratitude to the community spirit, people were out volunteering and there have already been fundraisers launched. People have really pulled together in every way we can.
Crews at the scene. Image: Lofthouse Volunteer Fire Station
Mr Thompson added that he is seeking “one or two heroes, to thank them for their help” after they helped to kick a fence down to rescue a man from the residential building.
The affected building neighbours the Pateley Bridge council offices, the Nidderdale Museum and St Cuthberts primary school. Mr Thompson confirmed the fire had not affected them.
He said:
I appeal to anyone considering volunteering with the fire brigade to join them. Things could have been a lot worse, and I thank the emergency services and the volunteers.
The Stray Ferret has contacted the affected businesses and the fire service for comment.
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