Blaze ravages moorland above Saddleworth

This dramatic drone picture shows the devastation caused by a blaze which ravaged moors near Saddleworth.

And firefighters have used images to remind visitors not to take barbecues as they revealed the likely cause of a huge fire was a disposable cooker.

Dozens of crews, supported by local land managers and rangers, spent three days on Meltham Moor tackling a wildfire which, at its peak, involved five fire appliances, five wildfire units and three all-terrain vehicles.

Now firefighters have confirmed they found a barbeque at the suspected point of origin of the blaze.

Lead West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Officer Richard Hawley said: “When we initially deployed to  the moor we found several seats of fire, with a disposable barbeque nearby.

“While we can’t confirm 100 per cent this was the cause, it does seem a likely reason.

"This wildfire has been extremely difficult to control due to the large quantity of fuel, fire supportive weather and challenging terrain.”

Experts say moorland fires can spread quickly and flare up again, due to the fire being ‘deep seated in the peat’ meaning even if it appears out, significant heat remains under the moorland.

And they say this incident was made more difficult as the location of the fire was miles from any water sources, meaning crews had to run several kilometres of hose, in full protective equipment to reach it.

Hawley added: “We had around 50 firefighters at the scene.

"Moorland fires always require a big resource, which means firefighters and fire engines are taken away from their local station area.

"We can manage this thanks to careful coordination from our brilliant control room operators, but it’s not an ideal situation for anyone across West Yorkshire.

“We really want people to enjoy our beautiful countryside, especially when the weather is so lovely, and the schools are broken up – but we are reminding people not to ever take barbeques onto our moorland.

“Take a picnic, have fun, but be responsible.

"As you can see, one barbeque caused so much devastation – it’s not worth it.”

Richard Bailey, Coordinator for the Peak District Moorland Group, said: “We are all relieved to at last see some better summer weather at last, but please heed the messaging of #BeMoorAware even with all the rain and sodden ground conditions, the vegetation has dried out and coupled with large outbreaks of heather beetle damage, which has left much of our heather lacking sap, a dropped match or BBQ can spell disaster for our moorland areas.

“Visitors need to be aware of the dangers of summer wildfires, any anti-social activities should be reported immediately.”

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Now the summer weather is finally here, with many people out and about enjoying the beautiful local countryside, we’re urging everyone to take care of our moorlands. We have updated our advice signage in key areas.”

Jo Hudson, General Manager for the National Trust in West Yorkshire, said: “Sincere thanks for all the hard work from those involved in tackling this fire.

"It is devastating to see damage caused to the moor and ongoing impact to wildlife.

“Our ranger team and volunteers regularly monitor the moorland at this time of year to spot any signs of fire and ask for your help in calling 999 if you ever see smoke."

The fire service reminded the public a public spaces protection order (PSPO) is in place on their moorland. 

You could be prosecuted and fined.

Both Council Wardens and West Yorkshire Police will deal robustly with anyone breaching the PSPO given the devastation that fires cause to communities, wildlife and the environment. 

If you see a fire or someone using a BBQ on moorland, please dial 999 and ask for the fire service.

And they highlight simple steps visitors protect the wildlife and moors:

Clear up and take your rubbish home after picnics.

Observe all signs and notices – they are there for a reason.

Follow the Countryside Code.

Don’t leave glass bottles. Not only can they hurt people and animals, but they can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire.

Never throw lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles or trains. Always ensure they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly.

Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside and only barbecue in authorised areas.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would also like to place on record a sincere thank you to all partners who have assisted in this operation, including, but not limited to; The National Trust, RSPB, West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Water alongside Peak District Moorland Group gamekeepers and farmers.

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