Blaze rips through legendary Dalton Mills – Peaky Blinders film site under threat
Hundreds of firefighters battle massive mill inferno
More than 100 firefighters scrambled to tackle a huge blaze at Dalton Mills in Keighley, West Yorkshire – a famous filming location for hits like Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue deployed 20 pumps just before noon to fight the ferocious fire that engulfed the Victorian textile mill.
Nick Smith from West Yorkshire Fire confirmed the building’s floor and roof had collapsed, describing the fire as “challenging” to control. Despite the damage, the fire service said thankfully no one was hurt.
Smoke prompts safety warnings and road closures
Locals were warned to keep windows and doors shut to avoid the choking smoke. Police set up a cordon, with some nearby roads closed as fire crews battled the flames. Although the fire is being scaled back, firefighters are expected to remain through the night damping down hotspots.
Historic mill with star-studded screen legacy
Dalton Mills isn’t just any old building – it’s steeped in history. Built in 1869, it was once the largest textile mill in Yorkshire, employing over 2,000 workers. After falling into disrepair, it was partially restored and taken off English Heritage’s at-risk list in 2015.
The site doubled as London’s gritty Victorian East End for the 2016 film The Limehouse Golem, starring Bill Nighy, adding to its resume alongside Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Not the first fire nightmare
This isn’t Dalton Mills’ first brush with flames. Back in 2011, a serious fire ripped through the complex when copper thieves set the site ablaze trying to strip metal. Now firefighters hope to save what remains of this iconic Yorkshire landmark.
