Smoke could be seen for miles around after a huge blaze broke out on moorland near to Greater Manchester. Firefighters were called out to Marsden Moor, across the West Yorkshire border from Saddleworth, at around 5pm yesterday (April 8).
Eyewitnesses reported seeing firefighters rushing to the scene on Saturday evening, while plumes of smoke were seen across the valley. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says the fire covered a square kilometre, with further investigations taking place today (Sunday).
Several witnesses watched the blaze from different vantage points, Yorkshire Live reports. The fire came the region basked in sunshine on Saturday, with visitors enjoying the bank holiday weather at Marsden Moor.
Helen Broadhead, who was present around the time the first broke out around 5pm, told Yorkshire Live that several paragliders had taken to the skies to see the line of fire. Other witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke from the A62, near the Stanedge area, with some stating seeing the moorland alight.
National Trust rangers first checked the scene with firefighters at 5.20pm. A spokesperson for the National Trust added: "The fire appears to have broken out close to Eastergate on Marsden Moor around 5pm."
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called at around 4.50pm yesterday to a fire on moorland at Blake Lea Lane, Marsden. Appliances attended from Slaithwaite, Dewsbury, Halifax, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield and Todmorden as well as a wildfire unit.
"The area affected was one square kilometre and crews used blowers and beaters to extinguish the flames before leaving the incident at 7.45pm. Further investigations are taking place today."
Ahead of the Easter bank holiday, the National Trust had warned visitors to take care on Marsden Moor. A spokesperson wrote on Twitter: "Enjoy the long weekend, but please help us look after the moors this bank holiday.
"Remember, BBQs are banned on Marsden Moor. If you see a fire or a BBQ, call 999 and ask for the fire service. Please take your litter home to protect wildlife."
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