 Valley Parade during the early 1990s, after it had been redeveloped following the fire. | |
| Date | 11 May 1985 |
|---|---|
| Location | Valley Parade Bradford, West Yorkshire, England |
| Coordinates | 53°48′15″N 1°45′32″W / 53.80417°N 1.75889°W |
| Cause | Fan attempted to extinguish a lit cigarette, it slipped through floorboards and fell on rubbish, igniting it |
| Deaths | 56 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 265 |
| Inquiries | Popplewell Inquiry |
| Coroner | James Turnbull |
The Bradford City stadium fire occurred during a Football League Third Division match on Saturday, 11 May 1985 at the Valley Parade stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, killing 56 spectators and injuring at least 265. The stadium was known for its antiquated design and facilities, which included the wooden roof of the main stand. Previous warnings had also been given about a major build-up of litter in the cavity below the seats in the stand. The stand had been officially condemned and was due to be replaced with a steel structure after the season ended.
The match between Bradford City and Lincoln City, the final game of that season, had started in a celebratory atmosphere with the home team receiving the Third Division championship trophy. At 3:40 pm, television commentator John Helm remarked upon a small fire in the main stand; in less than four minutes, with the windy conditions, the fire had engulfed the whole stand, trapping some people in their seats. In the panic that ensued, fleeing crowds escaped on to the pitch but others at the back of the stand tried to break down locked exit doors to escape. Many were burnt to death at the turnstile gates, which had also been locked after the match had begun. There were many cases of heroism, with more than 50 people later receiving police awards or commendations for bravery.
The disaster led to rigid new safety standards in UK stadiums, including the banning of new wooden grandstands. It was also a catalyst for the substantial redevelopment and modernisation of many British football grounds within the following thirty years. Bradford City continues to support the Bradford Burns Unit, at the University of Bradford, as its official charity.