Wessenden Head Road runs parallel to the Lotek Allotment. Which means I’ve had a first hand view of the recent moorland fire in Meltham.
We noticed the smell of smoke Monday evening (29 July), which during summer is not uncommon as friends and neighbours enjoy a BBQ or evening fire, safely in their own garden. But by the morning a number of Fire Engines had roared up Wessenden Head.
For the rest of the week the smell of smoke has been thick in the air and most nights we’ve slept with windows closed.
At times the smoke has visibility blown down into the village and the horizon has hidden itself.
I’ve taken a couple of photos which will be added shortly.
Keep updated about the moorland fire direct from the source
The West Yorkshire Fire Service has published an indecent report on their website for the Meltham Moorland fire. The report receives updates so it’s worth bookmarking their page to read updates before the Newspapers.
Cause of the Meltham moor fire
The moorland fire was most likely caused by a disposable barbecue. Why people are using disposable barbecues on moorland is beyond belief.
Lead wildfire officer Richard Hawley as saying: “When we were initially deployed on to the moor we found several seats of fire, with a disposable barbecue nearby. While we can’t confirm 100% that this was the cause, it does seem a likely reason.”
More from the Fire Service: Avoid barbecues on our moors following Meltham fire.
“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 barbecues onto our moorland. Take a picnic, have fun, but be responsible! As you can see, one barbecue caused so much devastation – it’s not worth it.”
– Richard Hawley, Lead wildfire officer
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