Region hit by spate of blazes on moorland

Yesterday a spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the brigade was “extremely busy” tackling blazes around the Haworth and Todmorden areas.

On Saturday afternoon they were called to a fire covering 1,000 square metres of moorland at Denholme, near Bradford.

On the same day firefighters in West Yorkshire were also called to deal with a moorland fire off Cold Edge Road, Wainstalls, Halifax.

Meanwhile, more than 40 firefighters battled to contain a blaze yesterday on grassland near a North Yorkshire woodland.

The fire broke out at about 2.30am yesterday and took crews more than four-and-a-half hours to bring under control.

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout yesterday to ensure the flames did not flare up again.

A spokeswoman for the North Yorkshire brigade confirmed yesterday that the cause of the blaze was still under investigation.

Yesterday firefighters were also continuing to battle to bring a moorland blaze under control for a third day.

Crews were initially called out to the scene of the fire between Bolton and Chorley on Friday morning.

A total of 23 fire engines and specialist appliances from Lancashire and Greater Manchester were engaged at Anglezarke Moor and Wheeton Moor at the height of the blaze, which covered several square miles.

Yesterday, 14 fire pumps were on the moors surrounding the village of Belmont, Lancashire, as crews tried to ensure that nearby properties remain safe.

People in the area with breathing difficulties were told by the emergency services to remain indoors with their windows and doors shut.