Major fire breaks out again at arson-hit Dalton Mills in Keighley

Major fire breaks out again at arson-hit Dalton Mills in Keighley

A significant fire erupted at the abandoned Dalton Mills in Keighley, a site famously used in the filming of the TV series Peaky Blinders. The blaze began around 8:00 pm BST on Saturday and escalated to a scale that required the response of 12 fire engines at its peak. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) reported that the severity of the fire led to the evacuation of nearby residents, with 10 fire engines still on site as of 11:00 pm BST.

Emergency services urged the public to steer clear of the area to ensure that the firefighting efforts could continue without interruption. Bradford Council’s emergency planning team was deployed to support and advise those affected by the evacuations. This marks the third fire incident at this Grade II-listed Victorian mill in 2025 alone. The historic building, known for its period drama roles including Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey, had previously faced a major fire that destroyed much of the complex in 2022, as well as another blaze in July of last year.

Authorities have expressed concerns that the multiple fires were deliberately started, with police earlier stating that arson was suspected. In relation to the 2022 incident, two teenagers were convicted for arson offenses. Robbie Moore, the Member of Parliament for Keighley & Ilkley, described the recent fire as “extremely concerning” and voiced his frustration in a video posted on social media platform X. He said, “It is deeply infuriating. This situation simply cannot continue. I have been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now.” Moore also praised the efficiency of the fire and police services, noting ongoing communications with local residents worried about embers and other hazards.

The mill has been owned by the Crown Estate since 2024, when the previous owner relinquished his rights due to bankruptcy, leaving a halted restoration project behind. Bradford Council has acknowledged that the Crown Estate is aware of ongoing security issues, including repeated trespassing. Collaborative efforts are underway with Historic England to develop enhanced security measures to protect the derelict structure and prevent future incidents. In the meantime, WYFRS advises residents close to the fire scene to keep windows and doors closed and to remain clear of the area while emergency crews continue their operations

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