New Year fireworks display sets tree and garage ablaze

The blaze in Wrenthorpe at 12.15am yesterday (Wednesday) was among 18 incidents attended by West Yorkshire Fire Service during a firefighters’ strike.

The six-hour industrial action was the eighth to be held by members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in 2013 over a pensions’ dispute.

Other incidents attended included small open fires in Walton and Hightown, Castleford, and a bin fire in Knottingley.

Chief fire officer Simon Pilling said: “Fortunately the night passed without major incident. However, crews attended a total of 18 incidents which is around average for this period.

“We would like to thank the public for taking heed of our advice and staying safe during the period of reduced cover.”

The incidents were attended by firefighters who chose not to strike and Community Response Operatives.

Firefighters will strike again tomorrow (Friday), between 6.30am and 8.30am.