UPDATED: Probe continues into coach business blaze

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said initial suggestions indicated that the blaze at Geldards Coaches in Farnley was “welding related” but stressed that inquiries had still to be completed.

More than 50 firefighters were drafted in from across West Yorkshire to tackle the incident yesterday afternoon.

The fire was brought under control by about 7pm, with crews from Hunslet and Odsal remaining in attendance overnight.

Fire investigation officers were today still at the scene, which is on Ashfield Way, off the A58 Whitehall Road.

A brigade spokeswoman told the YEP that 50 per cent of a coach repair workshop had been destroyed while three vehicles had been damaged.

She also said that the fire service was working closely with the firm’s management team, insurance company loss adjusters and the Health and Safety Executive to bring the incident to a “co-ordinated conclusion”.

Geldards Coaches declined to comment when approached by the YEP.

Smoke from yesterday’s fire was visible from as far away as Leeds city centre.

The blaze also caused long traffic queues after Whitehall Road was closed between Lawns Lane and Branch Road.

Two aerial platforms had to be brought in to help fight the fire from above.

Fire chiefs said gas cylinders and a diesel storage tank had been “extra hazards” during the operation.