Man found dead after fierce blaze
A MAN has been found dead after a blaze ripped through his home in Hebden Bridge.
Firefighters were called to the address in Akroyd Lane at 12.20pm on Friday.
The detached property had been badly damaged by fire and they discovered the dead man’s body inside.
Fire and police are now investigating although his death is not thought to be suspicious.
Crews from Halifax , Keighley, Todmorden and a specialist crew from Cleckheaton spent hours dealing with the fire.
A spokesman from Halifax Fire Station described the fire as ‘significant’ with a large amount of the property involved in the blaze.
He said that crews were at the scene until 9pm as although the fire was put out quickly they had to ensure that it was properly damped down and made safe.
The spokesman added that fire investigators will now work with police to establish the cause of the fire.
A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police could not confirm the age of the victim.
She said: “Police were called at 12.20pm on Friday by the fire service to a report of a fire at residential property on Akroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge.
“Officers attended and found the fire service had located a male at the property. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Inquiries are ongoing alongside the Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire, but at this time it is not believed to be suspicious.” AN elderly woman in her early 80s was rushed to hospital after a fire started in the kitchen of her semi-detached bungalow at Deighton Road, Deighton.
Watch Commander Ian Harrop of Rastrick Fire Station said she suffered smoke inhalation and burns to her body.
However, it’s understood that these are not life-threatening injuries.
The station received the call at just after 5pm on Friday and crews from Huddersfield and Dewsbury also attended.
Watch Commander Harrop said: “She was treated by fire crews and then paramedics from Yorkshire Ambulance Service before being taken to Leeds General Infirmary.
“Sixty per cent of the property was involved in fire and its cause is being investigated.”
The incident was concluded at 7.15pm.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the scene but the Examiner believes there are no suspicious circumstances.