The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed a massive fire outbreak on Thursday afternoon, March 3 at Dalton Mills, the disused West Yorkshire factory used on “Downtown Abbey” and “Peaky Blinders” shoots.
In a post on their website the publicize that “We currently have fire engines and specialist units in attendance at a fire at Dalton Mills, Keighley. There is a lot of smoke in the area and residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed. Please avoid travelling through the area.”
An update on their website added “We have 20 plus appliances in attendance at a fire in Dalton Mill in Keighley,” an update added. “Hundred percent of building involved in fire. Hose reel jets and aerial ladder platform in use. Appliances from neighboring brigades are also in attendance. Partner agencies in attendance – Police, Ambulance, Yorkshire Water and Environment Agency.”
“There is a large fire service presence around the incident so please give crews space to do their job safely,”
Screen Yorkshire executive Richard Knight described the fire as “a sad loss to the Yorkshire film-making landscape.” “It’s one of those amazing locations that is like a destination in its own right,” Knight told the BBC. “It’s got the kind of provenance and scale that could attract film-makers from far and wide.”
As well as “Peaky Blinders” and “Downton Abbey,” Knight said that part of the site had been transformed into London’s Victorian-era East End for the 2016 film “The Limehouse Golem,” starring Bill Nighy. The extent of the blaze was revealed by an image from television cameraman Malik Walton and footage from PM Breaking News.