Fire crews battle church blaze

Jun 14 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FIREFIGHTERS from across West Yorkshire – including crews from Dewsbury, Batley and from Cleckheaton – tackled a major blaze in Morley.

The fire was discovered in the derelict St Mary's In The Wood Church on Queen Street at 2.30am on Saturday and quickly engulfed the building.

Around 20 people from nearby homes were evacuated to Morrisons supermarket for their own safety amid fears the steeple would collapse.

The cause is still being investigated by both CID officers and fire investigation experts.

A West Yorkshire Fire Service spokesman said: “On arrival the church was found to be well alight.

“Eight fire service appliances with support and an aerial platform fought for several hours under dangerous conditions to bring the fire under control.

“They also battled to reduce the risk of the building collapsing.

“The fire has caused serious and significant damage to the church.

“Further work will be carried out to prevent the building collapsing and to establish whether or not it can be saved.”

The historic church has recently been the subject of a passionate community campaign to stop it being turned into a hotel and restaurant.