Micklegate House Horsefair: Major blaze forces dozens to flee Wakefield flats as flames tear through bin store
A major fire forced dozens to flee a block of flats in Wakefield.
Flames tore through a communal bin store at Micklegate House in Pontefract yesterday afternoon (August 1).
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It prompted a huge emergency services response, with crews scrambling to the scene just after 3pm.
Police believe the blaze was started deliberately and detectives have since launched an arson investigation.
Residents were evacuated, while Northern Gas engineers were called in to make safe a gas leak. No one was injured.
Coun Helen Antcliff, who represents Pontefract North , said the council and housing provider Vico Homes were supporting affected residents in the aftermath of the incident.
She confirmed traffic in Pontefract town centre had been restricted while emergency crews dealt with the fire and subsequent gas leak.
Businesses were also affected, with Chantry Vets warning clients that road closures meant there was no vehicle access to its surgery or car park.
Detective Inspector Steven Sayles of Wakefield CID said: “We are carrying out several enquiries into this fire which we are now treating as arson.
“This was a reckless and dangerous act and it’s lucky that no one was hurt. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.”
Information can be shared with police by calling 101, quoting log 1055 of August 1, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.