Crews were called to fires in Marsden as meters of moorland went up in flames at two different sites.
Fire crews from Slaithwaite, Meltham, Rastrick, Halifax, and Cleckheaton attended along with wildfire crews from Todmorden, Keighley, and Skelmanthorpe to tackle the first blaze off Old Mount Road.
moorland fire
They were called at around 3.50 pm to the moorland fire which measured around 1.5 km by 500 meters. Firefighters used blowers, beaters, Landrovers, Polaris, and water relays to extinguish the flames. They left the incident at around 7.30 pm.
Then at 7.20 pm, there were calls to a second fire at Wessenden Lodge, Wessenden Road in Marsden with a moorland fire measuring around 2 km squared. Crews attended along with volunteers from Mountain Rescue. Blowers and beaters were used to extinguish the fire which was watched overnight to check for reignition.
training and expertise
We were able to contain the first fire quite quickly, but the second one proved to be far-reaching"
Chris Bell, Assistant District Commander, was at the scene of both fires and said crews worked hard for hours to put out the fast-moving fires.
“These are the first two big moorland fires we’ve had this year and crews went from one to the other, working hard to keep the flames under control,” said ADC Chris Bell.
He adds, “We were able to contain the first fire quite quickly, but the second one proved to be far-reaching as it had started as several fires, which merged into one area. It started to head towards Saddleworth Moor and Featherbed Moss but crews used their training and expertise to stop this large fire from spreading any further."
wildfires
Chris Bell continues, “Crews were up at the site again this morning, checking a couple of areas of heat and putting some water on them to make sure they are fully out. The rain that has started today is welcome in helping damp down any remaining hot areas.”
ADC Chris Bell said that wildfires can develop very quickly and take hold faster than people can run, they can be started by a carelessly used BBQ or even broken glass.
#BeMoorAware campaign
Recently, WYFRS launched its annual #BeMoorAware campaign, which aims to prevent wildfires and reduce their impact on communities, businesses, and the environment.
Advice on helping to prevent wildfires includes:
- Clear up and take rubbish home after picnics.
- Observe all signs and notices – they are there for a reason.
- Follow the National Trust Countryside Code.
- Don’t leave glass bottles. Not only can they hurt people and animals, but they can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire.
- Never throw lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles. Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly.
- Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside.
- If users see a fire, or someone using a BBQ on the moorland, call 999 and ask for Fire Service.
