On Saturday, May 11, 1985, the final day of the football season, Bradford City fans were in high spirits. They had already clinched the third division title, and the team showcased the trophy before their last home match against Lincoln City. The event drew an unusually large crowd, feeling more like a celebration than a typical game.
What followed might have faded from public memory, overshadowed by the intense injustices of the Hillsborough tragedy that highlighted the struggles of British football fans in the 1980s. Yet, forty years after the inferno that took the lives of 56 people, the documentary “Bradford City Fire” continues to honor their memory.
Before delving into the horrific events, the film sets the scene for what was meant to be a joyous occasion. Local journalist Jim Greenhalf reflects on the significance of Valley Parade to the community. Constructed from a World War I railway carriage, the main stand was a key source of employment and part of the city’s heritage. He shares his thoughts from the winter and spring of 1985.
Bradford City had previously survived a financial crisis in 1983, which had united players and fans in efforts to rally support before businessman Stafford Heginbotham intervened. Winning the third division title was meant to be the team’s reward. However, just before halftime against Lincoln, a lit cigarette or match fell through a gap in the main stand, igniting a pile of debris beneath the seating area. With the structure primarily made of wood, it caught fire rapidly. Within minutes, the entire stand was engulfed in flames.
One of the most striking moments in the documentary involves fire safety expert Ben Honey, who analyzes the TV coverage of the match just as the fire unfolds. He notes how fans initially react with curiosity, some even seeming amused, before realizing the imminent danger, creating a jarring shift in their demeanor. The swift transition from minor incident to catastrophic disaster is unsettling.
Some viewers may find it frustrating that the film spends little time on blame. Instead of delving into the warnings the club had received regarding the safety of the stands, it observes that similar wooden structures had previously caught fire. There are clips of Heginbotham dodging tough questions from reporters while attempting to lead an official inquiry. “This is about making future improvements,” he emphasized, while a journalist pointedly asked if anyone would be held accountable. “No,” was the response.
This decision makes more sense when considering an interview with Adrian Lyles, a police officer at the scene. Lyles recounts his struggle to direct fans away from the emerging fire, initially in disbelief that it was necessary. Eventually realizing the seriousness of the situation, he reflects on his actions, noting the heavy smoke, which created confusion. His decisions during the chaos haunt him, particularly his attempt to guide fans to an area that was locked, a choice that proved misguided.
The aftermath explores the survivors’ guilt, the moral struggle faced by Greenhalf and other media personalities as the fire story unfolded, and the heart-wrenching experience of Hazel Greenwood, whose husband and two sons never returned home from the match. However, there’s also a focus on the community’s unity in the wake of the tragedy, safety reforms implemented in stadiums nationwide, and the fundraising efforts that led to the establishment of the Burns Unit, a significant advancement in medical treatment. It is a brave attempt to rekindle hope and humanity amidst the devastation.
Not Forgotten: Bradford City Fire aired on BBC 2 and is currently available on iPlayer.
