Public Urged To Be Vigilant After Two Moorland Fires In Just Over A Week

Tuesday, 17 May 2016 10:55

Firefighters remain on Ilkley Moor this morning ensuring that the wildfire which started yesterday is completely extinguished.

The Control Room received a call at 15.53 hours yesterday (16/05/16) to the moor, close to The Cow and Calf pub and Cow and Calf Rocks.

Initially the fire was reported as measuring around 60 metres by 50 metres, however later estimates were increased to around 60 metres by 80 metres.

Eight fire engines plus supporting appliances attended the scene and at its height around 40 firefighters were involved in putting out the blaze.

The fire was largely extinguished by 8.30pm and moorland rangers supervised the area overnight in case any hotspots started smouldering. The wildfire unit from Keighley fire station and a crew from Otley fire station returned at 07.40 hours this morning to dampen down the area to ensure no hotspots will flare up.

They anticipate being on site until around midday today and are being assisted by the moorland rangers.

Group Manager Steve Fealy said: “It’s the second fire that we have had in this vicinity, on the moors in Ilkley, in the last ten days.

“The moors are beautiful and we must all do our bit to help preserve them. We do urge that when people are on the moors they are vigilant. Moorland fires are a big risk and at this time of year, with the better weather, we start to see more of them.

“Please do not light fires or barbecues on the moorland, or drop cigarettes or matches and always take your litter home, including any glass bottles.

“We must all respect and protect the countryside for everyone to enjoy.”

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