Firefighters from across West Yorkshire have been tackling a significant moorland blaze at Deer Hill Reservoir in Marsden today after an emergency call came in just before 12.30pm.The incident required 15 fire appliances from across West Yorkshire to attend with firefighters tackling a mile long fire-front.

It’s believed the fire started as a result of controlled burning which spread.

The Fire Service is now strongly urging landowners to cease controlled burning and for anyone using the moors to be extra vigilant not to start a fire accidentally.

Moorlands fire on Deer Hill Reservoir cc Getty

Last year the Fire Service and partners launched the Be Moor Aware campaign and Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees councils brought in Public Space Protection Orders banning barbecues on moorland and other open spaces.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Nick Smith said: “We are disappointed to see what has happened today which could have so easily been avoided and we urge landowners to stop controlled burning with immediate effect.

"Controlled burning can easily spread and tackling the consequences takes up a huge amount of the Fire Service’s time and resources – moorland fires can quite literally go on for miles and days.

“We are currently trying to focus our resources on supporting the national effort to respond to Coronavirus and this is unhelpful to us.

"We will be making every effort to contact landowners over the forthcoming days and to reiterate this message.

"These are unprecedented times and we require our resources to support communities and help the vulnerable rather than having firefighters tied up for days on the moors undertaking this kind of arduous work.

"It is not where we want to be focusing our energies at this time, which we are sure people will understand.

“Members of the public who are going onto the moorland for some fresh air and a walk should also be

extra vigilant not to start a fire accidentally.

"Alongside partners, we started a public awareness campaign last year, called Be Moor Aware, following widespread moorland fires across the region and all of our

advice from that campaign still stands.

“We trust that you will take this advice seriously not only to protect the moorland, but also to help protect your communities at this difficult time.”

How can you help?

Below are some simple steps you can take to help protect the wildlife and moors according to the fire service:

Clear up and take your 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

If you notice anything suspicious report it by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the moor watch website at www.moorwatch.co.uk

Never throw lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles or trains.

Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly.

Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside and only barbecue in authorised areas

'Stop controlled burning': Fire service issue urgent warning as 15 engines tackle mile long West Yorkshire moorlands fire