Firefighters tackled a fierce blaze which ripped through a Clayton West DIY and timber shop.
One neighbour described the intense heat as “quite an inferno”, although nobody was hurt in the fire.
Fears were also raised about gas cylinders stored at the premises.
Fire crews, from Skelmanthorpe, Holmfirth, Ossett and Barnsley, were called to Timbernest in Long Lane, at 2.28pm yesterday.
The blaze started in the flat above the shop, which was closed for lunch. The flat is thought to have been gutted by the fire.
The shop, run by Tim Beaumont, is a well-established family business.
It is understood Mr Beaumont’s stepmother Barbara lived in the flat but was out at the time the blaze broke out.
At its height, five fire engines, including an aerial platform, were at the scene.
Firefighters used four hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus sets and worked into the evening to dampen down the smoking remains.
The nearby main A636 Wakefield Road was closed for up to two hours while the blaze was brought under control.
Long delays built up between Denby Dale and Scissett. Traffic was diverted via Emley and Hoyland.
Neighbour Rob Jankowski, 54, who lives behind the shop in Wakefield Road, was in his living room when he heard a crackling sound.
“We went into the back garden, which is behind Timbernest and saw big flames and lots of smoke. The windows were already cracking,” he said.
“I dialled 999 for the fire brigade but they had already had a few calls.
“We knew Tim’s step-mother lives in the flat and we were concerned she might be inside but she wasn’t. As far as we understand she was out at the time.”
Mr Jankowski added: “I live less than 50 yards from the shop but you could feel the heat from the burning building.
“It was quite an inferno and looks totally gutted.”
It is understood Mr Beaumont’s late father previously ran the business, which is a local landmark just off the main road.
Motorist Paul Clarke, 60, of Denby Dale, was driving past when he saw the drama.
He pulled over and rang the fire brigade.
A tradesman arrived with metal ladders in case anyone was trapped.
Mr Clarke said: “Eventually Tim, the proprietor, turned up but there was not much he could do.
“Things were popping and banging and someone said there were gas cylinders.”
Mr Clarke rang the nearby Aden Lodge Nursing Home in Long Lane to warn them and staff to shut the windows.
