Firefighters expected to continue battling Hatfield Moors fire over Bank Holiday weekend

Firefighters are expected to remain on scene at the Hatfield Moors fire over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend working to put out the flames.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have been battling the blaze for five days after emergency workers were called to the area on Sunday night (May 17).

The fire which has been damaged acres of wildlife habitat, started because of the ground’s high peat levels.

Residents are encouraged to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed to avoid smoke entering their homes.

A specialist helicopter has been deployed to drop water from surrounding lakes onto the fire and high volume pumps are being used to get more water onto the flames.

Area Manager Any Strelczenie said: “This is a complex incident but our firefighters are working extremely hard, supported by colleagues from Humberside and experts from a range of other partner agencies, to tackle this fire.

“Whilst we do expect to be here for some time yet, we’d like to reassure local residents and the public that we will continue to do everything we can, supported by other public services, to get this fire extinguished as soon as possible.

“This is an area of immense natural beauty and, as well as working to get the fire out, we’re also working closely with the Environment Agency and Natural England to try and protect and preserve the local wildlife.”