Peaky Blinders Set Burns Down In Massive Fire | Screen Rant
Dalton Mills, Keighley, a previous West Yorkshire factory turned film set for such shows as Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders burned in a massive fire. Dalton Mills was built in 1869 by Joseph Craven, and was once the largest textile mill in Yorkshire, employing over 2,000 employees at the time. Due to its abundance of large spaces for both production offices and set builds, ample parking, and historic features such as a courtyard and a renovated clock tower, Dalton Mills became well suited to shooting period pieces.
Recently, Peaky Blinders and Downtown Abbey used Dalton Mills as one of their main filming locations. The 2016 film The Limehouse Golem staring Bill Nighy also transformed the former textile mill into the spitting image of London's Victorian-era East End. Screen Yorkshire executive Richard Knight noted to The BBC that the set was a kind of "destination" in its own right that drew in both local and distant filmmakers.
Variety reported that the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the incident and said they have fire engines and specialist units on site. Residents in the area advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke, and it is advised to avoid traveling through the area. In addition to the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, police, ambulance, and the Yorkshire Water and Environment Agency were also at the scene. Water was also being pumped from the River Aire to aid in stopping the fire as quickly as possible. An update by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service noted that 100% of the building is involved in the fire. A video of the fire posted to PM Breaking News' Twitter can be viewed below:
Dalton Mills was used as the backdrop for several episodes of Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders, the latter of which is currently in the midst of airing season 6 of the series. It's unclear if any parts of the original building will be able to be salvaged or if anyone was injured in the fire. This is a devastating loss for the Screen Yorkshire community as Dalton Mills was listed as one of its prime shooting locations, as well as for the filming and West Yorkshire communities at large.
A previous fire broke out at Dalton Mills in Yorkshire in 2011 which affected one wing of the building, and restoration began shortly after. Hopefully after this recent fire, it will be possible to reconstruct as much of the damaged building as is safe once the fire is completely put out and reconstruction on the area is able to begin. There have not been details released regarding what may have caused the fire. It is tragic that an incident like this should occur, and it is a reminder to recognize the importance of historic film locations like Dalton Mills, and the added elements of authenticity and character which they have lent to films and series like Peaky Blinders over the years. As the situation continues to unfold, hopes are high that damage from the fire can continue to be contained as quickly as possible, and that no was harmed the blaze.
Sources: Variety, PM Breaking News via Twitter