'Thoughtless' fires are devastating moorland

Photo: Craig Hannah

FARMERS tackle the moorland fire. Picture by CRAIG HANNAH

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THIS dramatic picture taken at the height of a moorland blaze highlights the frustration of farmers and conservationists battling to protect a major beauty spot.

James Crowther, whose family have farmed 5,000 acres of rugged moorland for generations, tackled the blaze with student farmer Luke Harrison, assisted by an elderly neighbour.

It was the second fire, believed to have been started by children, which caused chaos on hillsides above Greenfield on Saturday.

The first blaze at a site near Dovestones reservoir, on the A635 Greenfield-Holmfirth Road, was doused by fire crews and the farmers.

But a few hours later, a second, more fierce blaze swept land near Indian's Head, with crews from GMFRS returning to the scene.

"The blaze was so intense my boots melted," said James.

And Mr Crowther, the eldest of three, revealed problems first flared on Friday night when he extinguished two blazing takeaway pizza boxes on the side of a moorland road.

"Luckily, no one was hurt but I'm convinced all the fires were started by people who have absolutely no respect for farmers, livestock, wildlife or anyone else."

A storm of angry protests from locals were posted on social media praising Mr Crowther for his efforts but denouncing the fire raisers as "scum".

One warned the vandals: "Remember while firefighters are putting out grass, your house might be on fire."

Another said: "Some people are so thoughtless and stupid."

Others called for a ban on disposable barbecues sold over the counter in shops.

And Dave O'Hara, the RSPB's site manager at Dovestone, said: "Starting fires is a criminal offence with stiff penalties.

"These senseless blazes wreck people's lives, could severely damage livestock and precious wildlife and destroy the environment."

The fire brigade said they had received reports of children setting the fires then vanishing from the scene.

Crew Commander Steve Moran, from Oldham Fire Station, said: "Our crews were called out to Saddleworth at 6.30pm on Saturday and were beating down the fire until dark.

"We returned at first light on Sunday morning.

"If it's dangerous terrain and there is no immediate risk to life, then we might stand a crew down but leave a fire engine in situ to mentor the situation throughout the night.

"We always turn out to moorland fires in Saddleworth because we can get there as quickly as crews stationed in Mossley."

Yesterday three crews extinguished a fire which sent clouds of smoke billowing over the M62 at Junction 22 above Denshaw.