Firefighters Battle Blackstone Edge Blaze

Firefighting efforts are ongoing at Blackstone Edge on Marsden Moor, with eight crews actively engaged in tackling a persistent moorland fire. This situation follows the successful extinguishment of a separate blaze in the Marsden Clough area, which had broken out earlier.

Earlier this week, firefighters also addressed fires at Deer Hill and Five Mile Post near Huddersfield. These blazes were declared over on Wednesday afternoon, with a final inspection scheduled for Thursday to ensure stability. Assistant District Commander Chris Bell noted the immense scale and impact of the initial incident, highlighting how dry grass allowed the fire to spread rapidly despite wet ground conditions.

Bell confirmed that crews successfully prevented the fire from encroaching on the Greater Manchester area. The incident generated at least 70 calls to the fire service, and the public is reminded to avoid the affected moorland. The commander also stressed the importance of caution regarding open fires, barbecues, naked flames, and cigarettes, as these can quickly escalate into serious incidents, especially on moorland.

Marsden Moor has experienced numerous fires in recent years, including a wildfire spanning over 1,300 sq ft in March and another near Cupwith Reservoir last year. In May 2024, a 1,000ft long wildfire occurred near Blakeley Reservoir.