Fire service plea as moorland blaze continues

A fire service has called on the public to help prevent further wildfires, as emergency services continue to deal with a moorland blaze that broke out on Saturday.

When the fire was at its most intense, nine fire engines - along with specialist wildfire teams and support personnel - attended the site, in the Cold Edge Road area of Halifax.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews have remained on site dampening down the flames and monitoring the area for potential fire hotspots.

The fire brigade has urged people to reduce the risk of fire breaking out, by not to holding barbecues or campfires on the moorland.

In a post on its Facebook page, the service described the blaze at its height as "a fast-moving fire across difficult terrain".

"This is just the latest in a series of serious wildfires in West Yorkshire - stark reminders of the increasing risks posed by warm, dry weather during spring and summer, particularly during nesting season, when wildlife is most vulnerable," the post read.

The fire service has thanked crews and control staff "for their incredible efforts under arduous conditions".

As well as avoiding barbecues and campfires, the service urged people who spend time on the moorland to take litter home, especially glass bottles, and to respect Public Space Protection Orders.

"Wildfires don't just damage the landscape - they destroy habitats, threaten lives and wildlife, and place huge pressure on emergency services," it said.

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