M62 moorland fire: More than a dozen fire crews work to battle 2km blaze in West Yorkshire

At 12:15pm on Thursday (May 1), West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a moorland fire near Oldham Road.

The fire was a 2km long blaze that required eight crews to tackle.

Crews from Slaithwaite, Halifax, and Todmorden were the first to be sent with specialist wildfire equipment including 2 all-terrain Argocat vehicles.

Slaithwaite Fire Station confirmed following the eight initial crews, a further six fire crews were on route around 2pm.

People are being asked to avoid the area.

A video released by Mirfield Fire Station shows grey smoke billowing out over the moorland, with the fire in the distance.

At 4:30pm West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a total of 18 fire crews, alongside supporting teams were at the scene of the fire.

Crews managed to sectorise and it was approximately 1km by 2km and still spreading.

In a statement a spokesperson said: “Please continue to avoid the area. There's no reports of any people involved at this time.”

UPDATE 7AM FRIDAY:

Seven crews and supporting units remain at the scene this morning after continuing to monitor and tackle the fire overnight.

Crews and partner agencies will continue their work this morning, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesperson said: “Please continue to avoid the area. Further updates will follow.”