Normanton School Fire

Published 20th Aug 2015

A large fire broke out at a school in Normanton as GCSE pupils attended to collect their results.

The call was made at approximately 9.15am. 10 pumps and 5 large jets were used to help tackle the blaze at the small annex attached to the school.

Investigations are ongoing surrounding the fire, however the cause is not believed to be suspicious.

10% of the academy is affected by the blaze. Nobody has been injured and nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Emergency services and 5 pumps remain at Freeston Academy as they continue to dampen hotspots and begin salvage work in clearing up the site.

Ian Bitcon, area manager for West Yorkshire Fire Service, said they found a well-established fire in the roof “which is very difficult to do because it is difficult to apply the water and to gain access”.

Freeston Academy released a statement, saying: “Our main priority was the safety of our staff, students and contractors working on site, and to ensure that our Year 11 students were able to collect their GCSE results. Following advice from the Fire Service, all students were able to collect their GCSE results from outside the Sports Hall.

West Yorkshire Fire Service are now investigating the cause of the fire, and subsequent damage and implications”.

Parents and students will be advised of return dates and further implications in due course.