A large moorland fire that was 'started by people' has caused major damage to a precious area of Marsden Moor, the National Trust said tonight.
The fire, which started just after 7pm on Sunday, was still alight this evening as residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut and stay away from the area.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service said ten pumps had been deployed to tackle the blaze which has a flame front of around a mile.
A number of road closures are in place around the area where the flames have taken hold.
The fire started on an area of National Trust land near Black Moss Reservoir and Swellands Reservoir.
The area is known for its breeding bird habitat and is a popular site for rare curlews. It is also home to short-eared owl and mountain hares.
It follows several weeks of dry weather, which have made the moors extremely vulnerable to fire.
The fire comes on the two year anniversary of another blaze which destroyed 700 hectares of land.
It took a helicopter four days to fully extinguish the flames, which had been caused by a discarded disposable barbeque.
The full restoration effort from that fire is expected to take several years and cost at least £500,000.
Countryside Manager for the National Trust, Craig Best, said: “It’s so frustrating to see yet another fire on our moors after all the hard work our team have put in to try and restore the landscape after last time.
"Although not on the same area of land as the 2019 fire, this fire has also destroyed a crucial area for rare birds and mammals, as well as carbon-capturing blanket bog.”
“We’re so grateful to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts. Unfortunately, this was another fire started by people, and could have so easily been avoided.”
“Climate change is causing more frequent and intense spells of hot, dry weather, which turns these upland areas into tinder boxes. That’s why our team are working hard to re-wet these moorlands and to educate people on the dangers of fires, fireworks and BBQs on open moors.”
The ban on BBQs and fires on Marsden Moor runs all year round and is part of a PSPO. (Public Spaces Protection Order.)
People are advised to call 999 if they see a fire or a lit BBQ on Marsden Moor.
