Major Marsden Moor fire dies down

A major fire that broke out at Marsden Moor last night has now died down but crews will remain on the scene for most of today.

Five fire engines remain at the scene this morning due to the nature of moorland fires as they can easily reignite.

Crews were called to reports of a fire on Marsden Moor at just before 8pm last night.

Thirty firefighters from seven areas including Huddersfield and Slaithwaite were sent to help tackle the blaze.

When crews arrived shortly before 8pm there was a large area of approximately three to four square kilometres of moorland on fire.

West Yorkshire fire say it's one of the of the highest flame fronts they have seen with flames of up to two metres high and 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.

Public Health England have have advised residents in the affected smoke areas to stay indoors and keep windows doors closed.

Motorists who have to travel through the smoke area also should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.