Fire-fighters tackle moorland fire at Blackstone Edge

Moorland fire at Blackstone Edge

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A large moorland fire is burning at Blackstone Edge. The fire initially closed Blackstone Edge Road, however, firefighters have the fire under control and the road has been reopened.

Five fire crews from Rochdale have been fighting the fire since 5.30pm, along with fire crews from West Yorkshire, who are tackling the fire from their side of the county border, along with the Operational Support Unit from Hyde and specialist officers.

A fire-fighter at the scene explained that strong wind and dense dry undergrowth were making tackling the fire difficult and, though fire fighters have the fire under control, they will remain on the moors for many hours yet to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and doesn't spread to threaten people and property on the outskirts of Littleborough.

Around 1sq km of moorland was ablaze and firefighters tackled it using water backpacks and beaters.

Crews left the scene for the night around 9pm when the light started to fade.

It is the second moorland fire in the area in a month with a similar-sized fire between Littleborough and Mytholmroyd in May.

UPDATE - Sunday 9 June

Officers returned to the scene at 7am this morning (Sunday 9 June) and a crew from Littleborough Fire Station was called back to deal with small pockets of fire.