SPECIALIST wildlife officers are today assessing the impact of a major moorland fire.
Fire crews from throughout Huddersfield and Calderdale tackled a moorland fire in a rural part of Calderdale which caused smoke to drift over the M62.
Moorland measuring 400m by 100m caught fire around the Cragg Vale beauty spot at around 12.40pm yesterday and plumes of smoke could be seen over the M62, Scammonden and Clifton in Brighouse.
Eight engines from around the county, including firefighters from Huddersfield, Brighouse and Elland stations, were at the scene throughout yesterday daytime and late into last night.
They were using beaters and hose reels to prevent the fire spreading.
Holmfirth’s wildlife unit and specialist wildlife officers were in attendance as the area is a well-known nature reserve and will be returning to the site today to assess the fire’s impact.
The West Yorkshire Police helicopter attended to assist senior fire officers to get an overall aerial view of the fire to plan resources.
Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team closed part of the B6138 Blackstone Edge Road near Rishworth while firefighters were at the scene.
A spokesman for the Upper Valley NPT said: “Smoke is seriously obstructing the road and the fire brigade require access for multiple emergency vehicles.”
