A local community in Heckmondwike has been left heartbroken after a devastating house fire took the lives of a father and his young daughter during the Eid period.

Sohaib Ahmed aged 38, and his nine-year-old daughter Manahal Ahmed both lost their lives after a fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning on Russell Close. His elder daughter, aged 11, was also pulled from the house and remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The fire broke out just after 6am on 8 June. Emergency services were called to the scene, and firefighters managed to rescue all three family members from the property. Sadly, Mr Ahmed was pronounced dead at the scene, and Manahal passed away later that day in hospital.

The tragedy unfolded during Eid, a time normally marked by joy, prayer, and family reunions. According to local councillor Aafaq Butt, Mr Ahmed’s wife, the children’s mother, and their grandparents had travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. They have since returned to the UK to face the devastating news.

Cllr Butt said many in the local Muslim and South Asian community have found the timing especially painful.

Cllr Butt said: “This is the most heartbreaking tragedy that anybody can think of. A father, his daughter, gone. And his other child is in the hospital. “We’re hoping for a quick recovery for her, sending all the prayers and wishes to the family.

The mother and grandparents were on Hajj. They have perhaps come back to this devastating news. It’s the worst thing that can happen.”

The local community has been left shaken by the incident. While police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, enquiries are ongoing by Kirklees District Police in partnership with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Everyone is in shock,” he said. The people of that street, everyone is feeling it. “This isn’t just one family’s pain; it’s the whole community’s.”

Since the fire, neighbours, mosque leaders, and local groups have come forward to offer support to the family. Prayers have been held, and conversations have started around how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The fire service has since issued safety advice around preventing house fires. Cllr Butt is urging residents to take precautions, especially around electrical appliances and fire detection equipment.

He said: “We would echo the fire authority’s advice. People should be make sure that any electrical equipment is switched off when not in use, especially during the night. And make sure that they have working fire alarms and smoke detectors, check them regularly.”

He also emphasised the importance of having a household fire plan.

He said: “People need to have a plan for if anything like that happens, escape routes and what to do. Even children should know. If there is a fire, and they’re in their room, stay put, let somebody know, and if smoke starts coming through the door, try to block it with something until help arrives.”

As the investigation continues, the wider community is rallying to support the surviving family members. Many residents have reached out to offer condolences, and local faith groups are expected to coordinate further support.

Cllr Butt said the most important message now is prevention and collective care.

He said: “It’s just in the hope that something like this doesn’t happen again.”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service added that the incident is still under investigation, but shared general safety advice to help prevent future tragedies.

They said: “Smoke detectors provide early warnings, giving you precious time to escape a fire. Without a working smoke detector, you are ten times more likely to die in a fire,” they said.

Stay safe by taking measures, including installing at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and testing them weekly. If your detector starts to emit a regular ‘chirp’, replace the battery or detector immediately.”