Meltham moorland blaze: Firefighters called to scene again

Firefighters were initially called to the blaze off Wessenden Head Road, Meltham, shortly after 10am yesterday.

Plumes of smoke from the fire could be seen from parts of Bradford. 

At around 6.30pm yesterday, a spokesperson from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said crews were damping down the area.

But the spokesperson said this morning that the fire had flared up again and crews from Bradford were among those tackling it.

The spokesperson said at 10am: "Eleven crews are back at the scene fighting the fire.

"These are Todmorden, Castleford, Keighley, Featherstone, Moortown, Morley, Bradford, Odsal, Dewsbury, Hunslet and Rastrick.

"They are being supported by wildfire units and several watch managers.

"The conditions - warm dry weather - and the environment make this a challenging fire to tackle."

The spokesperson said firefighters remained at the scene at 11.30am.

At this stage, it is not known what caused the fire. 

One nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It seemed to be dying down last night, but the smoke is much more noticeable again this morning.

"I've seen a couple of fire crews on their way to the scene again this morning on blue light, so they're obviously worried that this incident is far from over.

"It's a nightmare for residents. You finally get some good weather this summer and can't enjoy it because the air is thick with smoke.

"Anyone with breathing difficulties, I feel sorry for them."