A grass fire broke out behind the White Rose Shopping Centre in West Yorkshire on August 7, 2026, prompting an emergency response that included two fire engines from Hunslet Fire Station. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 10:51am and deployed crews to contain the blaze. Network Rail joined efforts due to the fire’s proximity to a nearby railway line.
Rail Service Cancellations and Delays Across Key West Yorkshire Routes
The fire disrupted rail services throughout West Yorkshire, mainly affecting routes passing through Morley. Northern confirmed cancellations of the 12:17pm Leeds to Wigan Wallgate and 3:49pm Wigan Wallgate to Leeds services. Additional delays were reported on services
operating between Leeds, Brighouse, and Manchester, covering stations such as Morley, Batley, Dewsbury, Mirfield, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, Rochdale, and Manchester Victoria.
Passenger Guidance and Alternative Transport Arrangements
Northern advised passengers with cancelled services to use alternative trains from Northern, TransPennine Express, or LNER up to two hours before or after their original departure times. Disruptions to scheduled train services may continue while emergency personnel work to manage the incident and maintain rail safety.
Emergency Response and Official Statements on Ongoing Fire
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said, “We are currently attending to a grass fire located behind the White Rose Shopping Centre following a call received at 10:51am.” Firefighters remain
engaged in controlling the blaze, with assistance from Network Rail due to the fire’s close location to the railway. Northern has warned that fire-related disruptions near the track at Morley are continuing.
