A MAJOR fire has broken out, with an iconic nightclub engulfed in flames.
The Ritz nightclub in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, is currently ablaze, with smoke being spotted rising into the night sky.
Firefighters have been spotted tackling the inferno.
Locals have been warned to stay clear and keep their windows closed due to the amount of smoke.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The surrounding roads have been closed by the police in both directions.
Venue 73, which was previously known as The Ritz has been vacant since 2020.
Earlier this year, Starbucks had submitted plans to turn the former ballroom into a drive-thru.
The building was opened in 1937 as a cinema before it closed in 1963 and it was turned into a bingo hall two years later.
It was then refurbished in 1981 and transformed into a dance hall.
Locals have taken to social media to say they heard “three large explosions” before the fire took hold.
One person posted: “There were three large explosions and then the fire. Looks like the entire back has collapsed. With only the frontage still standing.”
Those claims though have not been confirmed by the emergency services.
Witnesses have also said that “three to four ambulances” were spotted travelling to the scene.
West Yorkshire Police posted a statement about a fire in Brighouse on Facebook.
In the post, a spokesman said: “There is a large fire at the junction of Bradford Road and Bonegate Road in Brighouse. Road closures are in place as a result in both directions.
“Please stay clear of the area whilst it is being dealt with. We advise that those living close by keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke.”
Residents have also been posting about their fond memories of The Ritz, Yorkshire Live reports.
One said on Brighouse Matters: “Shame spent my youth dancing, well trying in there, good times and memories.”
Another posted: “It had been declining over the years! I went to a tribute band there a few years ago and I remember it had a beautiful dance floor!
“I guess that was for all the ballroom dancing that had happened there! Such a shame to see it let go to its current state!”
Paul Barron added: “My late parents told me, it had a beautiful sprung dance floor. They were both dancers, and ran a dance school in Christchurch.”
Another local resident posted a photo of flames leaping up into the sky, adding on Facebook: “Sad times The Ritz is on fire.”
Someone else said: “Very very sad day for Brighouse – my Mum and Aunti used to tell me about events they went to in the 1960’s, and how fab the dance floor was..!!!”
While another commentator wrote: “I love that building. I’m so sad. I can’t believe it couldn’t have been rescued. Such an iconic building. We have very little architecture left like this.
“I have fond memories of sharing a Saturday night job as cloakroom attendant whilst I was at school.”
Meanwhile, another local posted: “I have been so emotional tonight! I can’t believe it was allowed to come to this! I loved my little job there!!”
