This month marks the 40th anniversary of the tragic fire at Valley Parade stadium in Bradford, where 56 lives were lost and hundreds more changed forever. On May 11, 1985, what started as a small fire beneath the wooden stands quickly became one of the worst disasters in British football history.
As we pause to remember those affected, we’re also reminded of why fire safety and compliance are never optional. The disaster prompted sweeping changes in fire safety legislation and building regulations across sports grounds and public venues. Its legacy continues to shape the way we design, manage, and protect the spaces where people gather.
A new BBC documentary, Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire, will air on BBC Two on Sunday 11 May 2025 and be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The programme will explore the personal stories behind the tragedy and the lasting impact it had on football, communities, and fire safety standards.
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the events of that day and the improvements that followed, we recommend reading this overview:
🔗 Bradford City stadium fire – Wikipedia
At Howler, our mission is rooted in these very principles. We exist to help ensure no life or livelihood is left unprotected. Let’s continue to honour the memory of those lost by raising the standard—every day.
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