Battle against Hatfield Moors fire enters new phase

Officers say the blaze near Thorne and Moorends, Doncaster, is now under control and firecrews are now ‘working systematically to fully extinguish the blaze’.

Crews from South Yorkshire, Humberside and West Yorkshire have been fighting the fire on the moors since Sunday May 17.

National resources, including high volume pumps and specialist advisors, have also been involved in the operation.

Fire crews have worked with organisations including Doncaster Council and Natural England to create a perimeter of fire breaks and hose reels around the site.

Officers today said they are then dividing the perimeter into segments and ‘methodically working through each section’ to ensure the deep seated fire is fully extinguished and does not re-ignite.

A helicopter has also been helping crews, by ferrying water from nearby lakes to douse hot spots.

The internationally significant habitat is home to rare and unique species including nightjar, adders, trees and plants.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue area manager Stewart Nicholson, said: “Whilst the cause of this incident is not yet known,

people visiting the countryside anywhere in South Yorkshire should leave BBQs at home and dispose of cigarettes safely."

Doncaster Council chief executive Damien Allen, who visited the site again yesterday evening, added: "Every effort is being made by partners to preserve and protect Hatfield Moors for future generations. I would echo the call to people to stay away from the moors no matter how enticing they might be, particularly when the sun's out. Please stay away.”

He said the mobile ‘fogging units’ were now being used to to reach inaccessible areas of surface burn and apply under pressure a fine mist targeting the base of the fire, and take the heat out of the fire.

They are also applied into the peat to any burning underground.

He said a plan would be developed for recovery of the landscae once the fire was out, which will be put together by his own staff, plus the fire services and Natural England.

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