Fifth major fire hits historic Keighley mill, leaving residents 'helpless'
A large fire broke out for the fifth time at the former Dalton Mills in Keighley, England, on Saturday, forcing evacuations. Residents say the site remains unsecured despite repeated blazes.
A major fire broke out at the former Dalton Mills in Keighley, West Yorkshire, at around 20:00 BST on Saturday, with 12 fire engines attending at its peak. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service evacuated several nearby properties due to smoke, embers and debris.
Resident Teresa Taylor described the ordeal as horrific, saying neighbours had gone without sleep and banded together to support one another through the night, despite feeling powerless to help. The fire continued into Sunday morning, when the fire service confirmed it was under control at around 08:00. Elderly and ill residents were among those forced to leave their homes, abandoning belongings behind.
Bradford Council's emergency planning officers attended the scene to assist evacuated residents, and on Sunday neighbours worked together to clean up the surrounding streets.
Fifth blaze since 2022
The Grade II listed Victorian building, previously used as a filming location for period dramas including Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey, has now caught fire for the third time this year alone, following incidents in July 2025 and a major 2022 fire that destroyed much of the structure. Authorities believe most of the fires were started deliberately, and two teenagers were previously convicted of arson over the 2022 incident.
Resident Nicole Orr said each fire has been worse than the last, leaving residents constantly on edge and unsure whether they are safe. She noted the street has only one way in and out, meaning family members are sometimes unable to reach or leave their homes when access is blocked.
Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, called the situation extremely concerning and said the site has not been secured, urging Bradford Council to use its statutory powers to do so. The Victorian Society expressed solidarity with Keighley residents over what it called the fifth fire at the mill in recent years. The mill is currently ownerless after the Crown Estate took possession of it under the ancient property law of escheat.
