UPDATE: |Dramatic images show moorland fire raging from above as crews battle huge blaze News

People are being urged to avoid the moor

Incredible images captured a devastating blaze on moorland near Saddleworth overnight.

Crews were initially called out to March Haigh Reservoir, near Marsden, at around 5pm on Thursday evening (April 10).

Firefighters worked into the night to get the fire under control, before returning to the scene in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

Some crews remained in attendance throughout the night to make sure the fire remained under control.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was in an area of 1.5km x 1.5km, and was ‘developing rapidly’ during the evening.

Several fire engines attended the scene, plus specialist wildfire response units, as crews worked hard to deal with the blaze.

People are being urged to avoid the area as emergency services carry out their work.

In an initial statement, a spokesperson for Slaithwaite fire station in West Yorkshire said: “We are currently in the March Haigh Reservoir and Eastergate area above Marsden dealing with a large moorland wildfire.

“Size is approx 1.5km x 1.5km with a one-mile fire front which has developed very quickly. Two wildfire units, seven wildfire crews and four other crews from across the Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford districts are in attendance across multiple locations fighting the fire and defending property and environment from fire spread. Please avoid the area whilst we work, thank you.”

Some firefighters were relieved from the scene at 9.30pm last night, with ‘strategic crews’ monitoring the area overnight.

In an update issued at 4.30am, the fire station spokesperson added: “Crews have gathered at access points around the moor for briefings and are preparing to head on to the moor as soon as light permits. Please avoid the area and surrounding roads.

“The weather conditions have continued to bring smoke and ash across Marsden and Slaithwaite so be aware of poor air quality if you’re vulnerable.

“We have three wildfire units with all-terrain vehicles, and multiple wildfire and non-wildfire crews with blowers and beaters.”