Firefighters tackle blaze on moor

Smoke billows around firefighters battling the blaze

Fire crews are tackling a blaze on moorland, West Yorkshire Fire service has said.

About 65 firefighters have been attempting to contain the blaze, which broke out at about 0630 near Baitings Reservoir, in Ripponden.

A 4km stretch of moor land is ablaze and high winds have caused flames to spread and change direction.

It is understood that the fire, the cause of which is unknown, is heading towards homes in Littleborough.

Fire chiefs said there was a two-mile-long fire front along the side of the main A58 road between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Firefighting crews have been setting up fire-breaks to stop the blaze spreading.

Smoke has been blown across a wide area. Picture: Julie Holt

Some 10 fire engines from West Yorkshire and another three from Greater Manchester are currently in attendance.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said there have been no reports of injury to anyone or damage to property.

Meanwhile, a fire service officer is set to get an aerial view of the incident by assessing the blaze from the West Yorkshire Police helicopter.

Smoke from the blaze has been blown across a wide area, mainly into Greater Manchester, including Rochdale and Oldham at the foot of the Pennines.

A separate moorland fire has broken out at Scammonden near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.