Crews responded to another fire at Dalton Mills in Keighley on Saturday evening, marking the fifth major fire at the site in five years. The Grade II listed Victorian textile mill, known for its historical significance and appearances in popular TV shows like Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey, has been plagued by repeated incidents over the years. A fire in 2022 destroyed much of the building’s interior, and another arson attack occurred in 2025. Recently, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) confirmed that two separate fires at the abandoned site in February 2026 were "deliberate," suggesting intentional acts of vandalism.
Robbie Moore, the Member of Parliament for Keighley and Ilkley, expressed frustration over the ongoing situation in a video posted on X. “You already will have seen that we have had another major fire in the centre of Keighley, which is deeply infuriating,” he said. “This situation just simply cannot continue. I’ve been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now, and this is our next major fire.”
WYFRS issued warnings for people to stay away from the area, as several local residents were evacuated due to the fire's severity. In a statement released late on Saturday, the fire service said, “Due to the severity of the incident and the potential risk to residents living in close proximity to the fire, a number of nearby residents are now being evacuated.” They added that local authority emergency planning officers were on site to assist those affected by the evacuation.
Dalton Mills, once a thriving hub of textile production, has become a symbol of neglect and vulnerability in the area. The repeated fires have raised concerns about the safety of nearby residents and the preservation of the historic site. As the community continues to grapple with the consequences of these incidents, calls for improved security and management of the property are growing louder.
Repeated Fires at Historic Dalton Mills Raise Concerns
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