Warnings as blaze hits moor

The blaze at Marsden Moor [Pic:Phil Spencer]

Firefighters have asked people to avoid Marsden Moor after a wall of smoke and flame billowed towards a main link road between Oldham and Huddersfield on Friday afternoon.

The blaze was centered at Pule Hill off the main A62 and initially 10 appliances raced to the scene as there were concerned about a  400 m flame front  reaching roadside properties. Firefighters were backed by 20 beaters, two blowers and polaris fogging unit.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service  issued a warning: “Please avoid the area as we tackle the incident,”

The incident was scaled back to six fire appliances at 6 pm.

National Trust rangers were at the scene and Resilient Landscapes Officer for the Trust, Tia Crouch, said, “We’re grateful for to the crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue for their quick response.

“At the moment, Marsden Moor is very vulnerable to moorland fires. With more warm weather forecast over the coming week, we’d like to remind the public never to take a BBQ onto the moors.

“If anyone sees a BBQ or a fire on the moor, call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.”

Fire brigade say the incident was closed at 8pm and all resources have now left Marsden Moor.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.