PEOPLE have been warned about the dangers of leaving bonfires unattended.

The warning comes after it emerged that one of the biggest blazes in West Yorkshire so far this year, at a farm near Silsden, was caused by an out of control bonfire.

Over 80 firefighters from across West Yorkshire attended the incident, in April.

Strong winds had led to a controlled burn spreading to a neighbouring barn.

A report by West Yorkshire Fire Authority has revealed that the blaze saw the joint biggest operation by the service in West Yorkshire since the start of the financial year.

The call to the fire – at High Bracken Hill Farm, Green Lane – was received at 1.40pm on April 23.

Initially crews from Keighley and Shipley attended, but when the scale of the fire became clear another 13 crews were dispatched to the scene.

Smoke could be seen for miles across the area.

The response led to road closures for much of the day, and crews remained at the scene until around 11pm.

The landowner provided farm machinery to help firefighters get closer to the heart of the blaze.

The fire authority's report – into the biggest fires in West Yorkshire since April – says crews were dispatched from as far afield as Halifax and Todmorden, and Skipton in neighbouring North Yorkshire.

It adds that the cause of the incident was "accidental fire spread".

The only other fire in West Yorkshire to have seen such a large response was a blaze at a vehicle repair garage on Elmfield Road in Morley.

That fire, which also saw 80 firefighters sent to the scene, was started by a spark from welding equipment.

With bonfire night fast approaching, Bradford district fire commander Chris Kovacs is warning residents of the dangers of starting fires – even if they believe they are able to keep them under control.

Referring to the dangers of bonfires and controlled burning, he said: "Bonfires on private land can often get out of control quickly.

"If you do have a bonfire then make sure you never leave it unattended and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.

"Don't throw any fireworks into the fire and don't burn anything combustible like aerosols or anything containing foam or paint – many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury."

For more advice, visit westyorksfire.gov.uk/bonfire-safety.

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