Crews from 13 fire stations are battling a large blaze on moorland near Greater Manchester where billowing smoke has become a regular sight. Firefighters have been in attendance on Marsden Moor, near to Saddleworth, since earlier this afternoon (June 9).
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has released a dramatic image of crews surrounded by heavy smoke on the moor, with burning embers on the ground. It's the latest in a string of fires to take place so far this year on Marsden Moor.
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We are in attendance at a wildfire on Marsden Moor currently measuring 200 square meters, but increasing quickly. We received a number of calls this afternoon to the site at Binn Lane, near Butterley Reservoir in Marsden.
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"Crews in attendance are from Meltham, Todmorden, Slaithwaite, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Rastrick, Halifax, Leeds, Cleckheaton, Mirfield, Odsal, Featherstone and Skelmanthorpe. Four wildfire units are at the scene along with the drone.
"The all terrain Argocat is in attendance and the Polaris is on its way to the site. Firefighters are using blowers, beaters and hoses to help extinguish the flames.” Seven previous fires had broken out on Marsden Moor this year.
Crews returned to the scene last Tuesday, when it is believed an area of Marsden Moor had reignited. It comes as the National Trust is preparing to host a public meeting with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and West Yorkshire Police about the recent spate of fires next Wednesday (June 14).
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