Walkers blasted for flocking to scene of huge moorland blaze in Doncaster

Large parts of Hatfield Moors have been ablaze since Sunday night with dozens of firefighters from stations across the area tackling the flames around the clock.

But operations are being hampered by walkers turning up to catch a glimpse of the fire which has already devastated acres of wildlife habitat and killed dozens of animals.

A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Loads of reports of people still walking on Hatfield Moors today.

“The whole area is the site of an operational incident, please just stay away.”

Local residents are being urged to keep doors and windows closed while drivers on the nearby M18 and M180 motorways have been urged to take extra care with drifting smoke causing reduced visibility across carriageways.

The blaze could burn for weeks due to peat levels on the moor.