FIREfighters who tackled a huge moorland blaze in Littondale earlier this year struggled to cope with inadequate equipment.

Quad bikes borrowed from local farmers were used to great effect - but health and safety rules prevent the brigade providing the firemen with their own.

The lessons to be learnt from the fire on Soska Moor in April were reviewed in a report for the fire authority discussed this week and several action points were drawn up.

The fire broke out on isolated moorland more than two miles from the nearest road.

At its peak more than 70 firefighters were involved and it took them two days to bring the blaze under control. More than 500 acres of moorland was destroyed.

In its review of the fire, the brigade said quad bikes had proved most effective in getting water to the isolated site.

"Consideration has been given to the merits of such vehicles and possible methods of provision.

" The brigade has researched the issue and health and safety implications prevent the provision of our own vehicles," said the report.

"However, operations support is currently investigating the possibility of contracting such vehicles and drivers as necessary."