Moorland blaze covers Rochdale in pall of smoke

The Moorland fire seen from close to the White House, Blackstone Edge

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Dozens of firefighters have spent the night at a moorland fire on the Greater Manchester-West Yorkshire border.

Smoke from the fire was being blown into Rochdale and there were fears homes in Littleborough could be threatened but fire crews later said no property was under threat.

The fire broke out on Monday near Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, and high winds fanned the flames.

The blaze spread at least two miles alongside the A58 towards Littleborough.

A fire service spokesman said rain had dampened the blaze overnight but small pockets were still alight. He said about 30 crew members remained there.

Crews set up fire breaks to stop the blaze spreading but were hampered by blustery winds.

Keith Robinson, of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said two fire officers were slightly injured tackling the flames.

He had to pull firefighters off the moor on four occasions as the wind changed direction and put them at risk. He warned members of the public to stay away.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.