‘Malice’ suspected in community centre fire

Nov 17 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

‘Malice’ suspected in community centre fire

A COMMUNITY is reeling after its community centre was burned down.

Firefighters have revealed that tough security measures designed to stop thieves and vandals from getting in cost them valuable minutes as they battled in vain to save Thornton Lodge Community Centre.

They also had to call in police after crews busy fighting the fire were being threatened by a gang of yobs.

Watch Manager Andy Blackburn from Huddersfield fire station said smoke was pouring from the single-storey building as they fought to force their way in through the steel door, using specialist tools.

“The building was very well protected by a steel door and window grilles and it made it hard for us to get in,” he said. “Thick dark smoke was belching out of every vent.”

The first call to the burning centre on Brook Street came in at 1.10am on Saturday.

Click here for a picture gallery of the fire-ravaged building.

At the height of the blaze 15 fire appliances were there – including a mobile command centre – and an assistant fire chief attended.

The engines clogged up the streets surrounding the centre and hoses were set up to bring water to the scene from Manchester Road.

Click here for a photo gallery of the damage caused by the blaze.