'˜Accidental' cause of blaze at Castleford school

A fire which damaged classrooms at a primary school in Castleford was caused accidentally, the chief executive of the academies trust which runs the school has said.

Eight fire engines were sent to deal with the fire at Airedale Junior School, in Fryston Road, after being called out at around 7.15pm on Thursday.

The last fire engine left just before 10.30am yesterday before fire investigators examined the scene of the blaze.

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Michaela Blackledge, chief executive officer of Airedale Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: “Nobody was hurt and we would like to thank the emergency services for their excellent response.

Fire at Airedale Juniors in Castleford. Pic by Mark NicholsonFire at Airedale Juniors in Castleford. Pic by Mark Nicholson
Fire at Airedale Juniors in Castleford. Pic by Mark Nicholson

“Airedale infant School is undamaged and Airedale Junior School has some damage to a few classrooms but teams will be working over the summer break to ensure the school will be open as normal to all year groups in September. The cause of the fire was accidental.

Parents and carers will be updated via social media and the school’s website but Airedale Infants and Airedale Juniors will not be open to pupils before September. Staff will receive updates via the school’s email system. Townville Infants School will be open on Monday but access will be from Poplar Avenue.”

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