Rangers ask for the public’s help after a spate of fires on Marsden Moor

National Trust rangers have begun the detailed task of mapping the damage following the most recent fire on Marsden Moor.

The fire, on Binn Moor, is the seventh since February this year.

The fire began at about 8pm on Tuesday (May 30) and affected an area of land above the Wessenden Valley. Rangers and fire crews remained on site yesterday (Thursday).

Working alongside the National Trust’s specialist project officer, the team will then conduct walk-over site surveys and satellite imagery to calculate the extent of the damage. Initial estimates show that the seven fires have burnt 3 sq kms of moorland so far this year.

In April, two fires on the same evening burnt moorland on Pule Hill and in the Wessenden Valley. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that these are both being investigated as arson.

The cause of the other fires remains unknown.

National Trust Area Ranger for Marsden Moor, Ian Dowson, said: “Unfortunately, this is the seventh fire we’ve seen on Marsden Moor this year.

"Our small team has worked incredibly hard over the last few months, fighting fires, putting on extra patrols and speaking to the public.

"We use our specialist equipment and training, working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue during these incidents.

"These fires have been particularly challenging, as they have started on weekdays when the moors are quieter and have often been in harder to reach locations.

"The fires have also taken our attention away from our other important conservation work.

“We can’t be everywhere at once, which is why we rely on the public and our community fire watch volunteers to help us.

"We’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done to help.

"After an unusual number of fires, we implore the wider public to be vigilant - if they see a fire or a BBQ on Marsden Moor, they should call 999 and ask for the fire service.

"They shouldn’t assume that someone else has reported it.”

The fires come at a crucial time for ground nesting birds, including curlew, dunlin and golden plover.

Rangers have found burnt nests and eggs on site, as well as frogs and other animals.

As well as destroying habitats, moorland fires also damage the peat soils which are an important carbon sink.

Dale Gardiner, District Officer at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The number of wildfires we are dealing with on the moorland in West Yorkshire is increasing.

"Also, we have seen a significant number on Marsden Moor this year, which is highly unusual.

"These can be started in several ways, but we know all too often people are deliberately setting fire to our moorland, while others are careless with barbecues, campfires and cigarettes.

“We have a very simple message - never have a barbecue or other fire on moorland.

"Also, we need to put an end to people starting fires deliberately, which we believe is what is happening here on Marsden Moor.

"We know most people would never do these things, and love the incredible countryside that we are blessed with here in West Yorkshire.

"However, unfortunately, some people are continuing to start these fires and, in doing so, are putting lives at risk.”

Superintendent Helen Brear, of Kirklees Police, said: “We are lucky enough to live, work and socialise in an area with beautiful countryside on our doorstep, and while our communities are free to enjoy it, we also need to protect it.  

“I echo the messages from our partners at the National Trust and urge the public to be aware of their surroundings and respectful of them.

"We have sadly already witnessed the devastating consequences fires can have on our moorland and residents should be remined that Public Space Protection Orders are in place to protect the moors.

"This means that activities such as barbecuing or starting a fire for recreational purposes are banned and those who do or attempt to do so will be prosecuted.

“I also want to warn those who seek to cause deliberate damage to the moors through starting fires that Kirklees Police do investigate such criminal acts and will do everything to identify and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

The ban on BBQs and fires on Marsden Moor runs all year round and is part of a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order).

If you see a fire or a lit BBQ on Marsden Moor, please dial 999.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.