AROUND 70 firefighters spent three days tackling a blaze which took hold of moorland above Arncliffe.

The fire broke out on Scoska Moor on Tuesday evening, and at its peak, had spread to an area measuring 1,500 metres by 500 metres.

Smoke and flames could be seen from miles away, particularly at night.

Dry conditions and strong winds made controlling the blaze difficult, although firefighters brought it under control yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. They had feared the operation could stretch into many more days if the peat started to burn.

Divisional officer Ian Bitcon, who was in charge of the operation, said one problem was that the scene of the blaze was two-and-a-half miles from the nearest road.

Land Rovers were being used to transport crews, but even then they had to cover the final mile on foot. Another problem was water.

"We are having to bring it by bowser and quad bikes. Most of the firefighting is being done using beaters," he said.

Mr Bitcon said there was always the possibility of flare ups and it was simply too dangerous to keep firefighters on the moor overnight. Much depended on the weather over the coming days, with the fire fighters hoping the rain forecast actually appears.

The cause of the fire is not known, but Mr Bitcon believes it was probably due to a carelessly discarded cigarette, a camp fire left burning, or sun rays on a broken bottle.

Last week, the Bolton Abbey Estate closed Barden Fell to visitors because of fire fears. It remains shut.