Plea to stop moorland burning after blaze

FIREFIGHTERS HAVE called for a stop to controlled moorland burning after a major blaze.

More than 50 officers were tackling a fire on the moors above Deer Hill Reservoir, near Marsden, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, yesterday afternoon.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said crews from 20 appliances were fighting a mile-long fire front.

He said it is believed that the fire, which was reported just before 12.30pm, started as a result of controlled burning which spread.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Nick Smith said controlled burning could easily spread, taking up fire crew resources.

He said: “We are disappointed to see what has happened today which could have so easily been avoided and we urge landowners to stop controlled burning with immediate effect.

“Controlled burning can easily spread and tackling the consequences takes up a huge amount of the Fire Service’s time and resources – moorland fires can quite literally go on for miles and days.”

Mr Smith said: “These are unprecedented times and we require our resources to support communities and help the vulnerable rather than having firefighters tied up for days on the moors undertaking this kind of arduous work. It is not where we want to be focusing our energies at this time, which we are sure people will understand.”

Mr Smith also urged members of the public going on to the moors for some fresh air to be extra vigilant not to start a fire accidentally.

People are recommended not to leave rubbish on moorland, especially bottles which can spark fires by magnifying the sun’s rays.

Visitors are also urged never to light a fire in moorland.