THE public have been reminded not to take barbeques onto their local moorlands after it emerged that the likely cause of a huge fire was a disposable cooker. 

Dozens of crews from across West Yorkshire supported by local land managers and rangers have spent three days on Meltham Moor, Kirklees, tackling a wildfire that required five fire appliances, five wildfire units and three all-terrain vehicles at its peak.

The large plumes of smoke could be seen from several parts of Bradford despite the fire being about 20 miles away, just off the transpennine A635 Isle of Skye road between Holmfirth and Greenfield, Saddleworth.

In a latest update on Friday evening, a change in the direction of the wind has meant that the smoke is now blowing directly towards the town.

All residents are being asked to please keep their doors and windows shut.

The smoke remains in the air on Friday eveningThe smoke remains in the air on Friday evening (Image: Newsquest) Earlier today, firefighters confirmed that they found a barbeque at the suspected point of origin of the fire.

The fire seen from Queensbury The fire seen from Queensbury (Image: Newsquest)

Lead Wildfire Officer Richard Hawley said: “When we initially deployed onto the moor we found several seats of fire, with a disposable barbeque nearby.

"While we can’t confirm 100 per cent that this was the cause, it does seem a likely reason.

Lead Wildfire Officer Richard HawleyLead Wildfire Officer Richard Hawley (Image: T&A)

"This wildfire has been extremely difficult to control due to the large quantity of fuel, fire supportive weather and challenging terrain.”

Moorland fires can spread quickly and flare up again, due to the fire being ‘deep seated in the peat’ which means that even if it appears the flames are out, significant heat remains under the moorland.

The blaze on the moors above Meltham, near the Isle of Skye road, in KirkleesThe blaze on the moors above Meltham, near the Isle of Skye road, in Kirklees (Image: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service)

The incident was made more difficult as the location of the fire was miles away from any water sources, meaning crews had to run several kilometres of hose, in full protective equipment to reach it.

Mr Hawley added: “The crews have worked so hard – we’ve had around 50 firefighters up there – it’s been a tough job.

“We really want people to enjoy our beautiful countryside, especially when the weather is so lovely, and the schools are broken up – but we are reminding people not to ever take barbeques onto our moorland.

"Take a picnic, have fun, but be responsible! As you can see, one barbeque caused so much devastation – it’s not worth it.”

A flashback to 2019 when the Be Moor Aware campaign was launched on Ilkley Moor

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said “We’re urging everyone to take care of our moorlands.

“We’ve seen the devastating impact of wildfires on moorland across the region.

"It’s so important that we do all we can to protect our distinctive environment, wildlife and their precious habitats, which are destroyed by these preventable fires."

A patch of blackened moorland was visible on Meltham Moor after the fireA patch of blackened moorland was visible on Meltham Moor after the fire (Image: T&A)

A public spaces protection order (PSPO) is in place on the moorland.

If you take flammables onto the moor you could be prosecuted and fined.

Both Council Wardens and West Yorkshire Police say they deal robustly with anyone breaching the PSPO.

If you see a fire or someone using a BBQ on moorland, please dial 999 and ask for the fire service.