West Yorkshire firefighters continue to tackle large blaze on Marsden Moor

Firefighters are still tackling a large moorland fire in West Yorkshire more than 24 hours later.

It's the fourth fire to break out on Marsden Moor in just over a month.

Emergency services were called to Butterley Reservoir on Wessenden Road at around 1.30pm on Monday, 22 May.

Crews from across West Yorkshire have been tackling the blaze and at one point smoke could be seen as far afield as Sowerby Bridge.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We are still at Marsden Moor as our firefighters continue battling with the smoke pockets that are regularly appearing.

"Damping down on the moors involves digging into the ground where the hotspots are and applying water. This isn’t easy, as getting water onto the moor means having to use our all-terrain vehicles.

"Crews from Slaithwaite and Todmorden will be at the site today ensuring flames don’t appear as the weather continues to get warmer."

Pictures posted online show a line of flames on the moorland.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said a drone and specialist equipment were at the scene.

Two fires broke out in quick succession on the moor in April, and firefighters said they thought they were started deliberately.

The moorland was alight again twelve days later.

It comes as West Yorkshire Fire has been running a #BeMoorAware campaign to urge people to help prevent moorland fires.

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