Firefighters praised for facing danger
Crews walK a mile to reach ‘oNe of highest flame froNts’ seeN
THE public have praised firefighters who battled one of the ‘highest flame fronts’ ever seen at Marsden Moor.
Thirty firefighters from seven different fire stations worked through the night to scale back two metre-high flames on Tuesday night. The blaze was one of the biggest crews have seen.
Their work was made more dangerous because of the darkness, poor visibility and the uneven terrain. As a result, West Yorkshire Fire Service said crews were rotated for their own welfare.
Station manager Adam Greenwood said: “When crews arrived shortly before 8pm there was a large area of approximately three to four square kilometres of moorland on fire. It was one of the of the highest flame fronts we have seen with flames of up to two metres high and it was moving fast across the moorland.
“The top layer of the moorland is quite dried out because of the recent good weather and underneath is quite damp so it has run across the surface of dry vegetation.
“Two specialist wildfire units were there and approximately 30 firefighters tackling the fire. It was really adverse conditions. We were rotating the crews for their welfare as it’s very physically demanding work.
“Crews were walking up to a mile to reach the fire and were carrying blowers, beaters and other firefighting equipment with them. Crews have worked tirelessly to get fire under control and have done a great job.
“The quick initial fire attack by firefighters did help to bring the fire under control, despite the size and ferocity of the flames.”
Thanks to their efforts, the fire was kept at least 500m from the nearest road and the blaze was reduced to just embers by dawn. However, risk of reignition is high with moorland fires.
Station manager Greenwood added: “Moorland fires can easily reignite so it’s important that we monitor it closely.
“We are also working with the National Trust and the Marsden Rangers who will remained at the scene with us.”
MPs and members of the public were full of praise for fire crews, thanking them for their efforts.
On Facebook, Nikki Hanson said: “Absolutely heartbreaking to see this as a regular visitor up there. Lots of wildlife will have perished along with livestock.
“Thank you for the actions of the firefighters who are working very hard to save this from becoming the same as we saw last summer. Stay safe everyone involved in fighting this fire.”
Margaret Oakley added: “It’s happening too often. The moor needs to be better managed. The firefighters are risking their own lives and wildlife and their young are being wiped out year upon year. Something has to be done.”
Colne Valley Labour MP Thelma Walker said: “Thank you to the crews who worked tirelessly through the night to bring the fire on Marsden Moor under control. I hope everyone involved stays safe.”
Paula Sherriff added: “Thank you to all the fantastic firefighters tackling this blaze and keeping us safe.”