Fire chief’s delight as no major incident impacts the Tour de France

The two day event has been enjoyed by droves of spectators but despite a number of incidents being attended, the fire service has not encountered any major incidents.

A well-planned emergency response saw WYFRS working alongside other blue light services and TdF organisers.

Assistant Chief Officer Steve Rhodes said: “We are incredibly pleased that this huge sporting event has passed with success.

“An astonishing number of people gathered along the roadsides to cheer on riders and their spirit has done Yorkshire proud.

“We would like to thank the public for taking care during this event and for looking after one another.

“We are sure this weekend will stand as a testament not only to the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire but also to the teamwork that enabled this spectacular event to run so successfully.”

In total the WYFRS attended 23 incidents across West Yorkshire during the race on Saturday and 18 during the race on Sunday.

On top of this we received a number of calls involving minor incidents where advice was given and attendance was not necessary.

Incidents of note during Stage One, Saturday, July 5.

11.22am Whincover Drive, Farnley, Leeds, road traffic collision involving three cars. One casualty released and taken to hospital by ambulance.

12.59pm Manningham, Bradford, building fire involving leather furniture shop.

2.19pm Fire involving Featherstone Convenience Store, Green Lane, Featherstone.

Incidents of note during Stage Two, on Sunday, July 6.

11.42am house fire involving a dryer at a semi-detached property in Hill View Gardens, Northowram, Halifax. All persons accounted for. Two engines from Halifax attended and remained at the scene until 12.24pm.

12.13pm fire involving grass embankment in Damems Lane, Bracken Bank, Keighley, approximately 200m by 5m. Worth Valley Railway were contacted and worked alongside fire crews to deal with the incident.

1.05pm Woodhouse Lane, Brighouse, called to reports of smoke coming from electricity substation. A fire was out on arrival and the area was made safe by crews. The incident was then passed to the Electricity Board.

1.35pm Vale Mill Lane, Haworth, grass fire by side of railway (not far from the incident at 12.13pm).

The majority of these incidents occurred well away from the TdF route and none of them impacted on the race, the riders or the spectators.