Marsden Moor fire latest - seven crews now on the scene

Fires on land at Marsden Moor continue to cause headaches for fire services.

The initial fire started just after 7pm last night (Sunday) and at one point had a mile-long flame front.

Ten pumps plus specialist wildfire units were dispatched to tackle the blaze, which was attended to by crews from West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

However, after damping down took place earlier today, more fire crews have been dispatched again this afternoon.

A post on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Twitter page an hour ago (4pm) read: "Our crews are continuing to respond to the fire on Marsden Moor.

"We now have seven fire engines on the scene – including two from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service – plus specialist wildfire units.

"A helicopter has also been dispatched to help support ours and our partner’s work.

"A section of Mount Road is being closed off as the helicopter was dispatched to help tackle the pockets of fire.

"Please keep away and avoid the area."

The incidents follow several weeks of dry weather, which have made the moors extremely vulnerable to fire.

It’s nearly two years to the day since another fire in 2019, which destroyed 700 hectares of land. 

It took a helicopter four days to fully extinguish the flames, which had been caused by a discarded disposable barbeque. 

The full restoration effort from that fire is expected to take several years and cost at least £500,000.

BBQs and fires are banned on the moors all year round to protect the landscape. 

Visitors are reminded that defying the BBQ ban could result in a fine of up to £2,000.

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