AFTER hours tackling a major blaze on Ilkley Moor, firefighters are now beginning to withdraw from the scene, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed.

Fourteen fire engines were in attendance at the height of the fire in the White Wells area, but this has now been scaled down to ten.

A spokesperson said: "Crews are in the process of withdrawing from the moor but damping down is still taking place. Crews will remain in attendance overnight before reassessing situation in morning."

It was the second moor fire firefighters were called to in the area today, following an earlier fire in Bingley near Dick Hudson's on Otley Road.

Fifty acres of moorland north of the pub was involved.

That fire was brought under control this afternoon, before crews from across the county were scrambled to Ilkley Moor at around 3.10pm.

As evening arrived, Martyn Hughes, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said it looked as though the blaze would burn "long into the sunset".

There have been reports of people being evacuated as firefighters work to tackle the blaze.

The police helicopter (NPAS Carr Gate) is also assisting and tweeted: "If you are on Ilkley Moor or thinking of going up there then please don't. @WYFRS (West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service) have a tough enough job without also having to worry about members of the public trying to look at the fire."

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said earlier: "Crews have used beaters, aqua backpacks, leaf blowers and ultra light portable pumps to extinguish the fire.

"Fire crews, specialist Wildfire Officers and equipment was mobilised from around the county."

Janine Bell shared these pictures with the Telegraph & Argus.

She said the fire is "getting worse by the minute" and that a large part of the moor has gone.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ilkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine BellIlkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine Bell

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ilkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine BellIlkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine Bell

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ilkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine BellIlkley Moor fire. Picture: Janine Bell



Footage from the scene:

Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing across the sky from the town centre.

@newcol shared this drone footage of the fire.



More video from the scene:
 

Fourteen fire engines, plus other resources, were scrambled to try and bring the blaze under control.

This has now been scaled down to ten engines, but crews will remain at the scene overnight.

Bradford Council has urged people to stay away from the area and to stay indoors and close their windows.