West Yorkshire firefighters tackle blazes on Marsden Moor

Dozens of firefighters have been tackling two blazes on Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire.

Crews were called to Pulse Hill at around 3.45pm on Thursday 20 April where huge plumes of smoke could be seen. People were urged to avoid the area.

Wildlife officers, a drone team and representatives from Yorkshire Water were also at the fire.

The first fire was was 1.5km wide and 500m deep.

The second fire was a similar size and burnt on Black Moss close to Wessenden Lodge.

The blaze has since been put out and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are damping down at the scene.

Marsden Moor is a 5,000-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to ground-nesting birds and blanket peat bogs.

RSPB were also in attendance surveying potential damage to threatened species that call the area home.

A second fire then ignited later in the evening near Wessenden Reservoir.

Marsden Moor has been the scene of several blazes in recent years.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has run its #BeMoorAware campaigns to try to prevent moorland fires by urging people not to light barbecues.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.