'Close windows' as wind changes direction over Doncaster moorland fire

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service this afternoon said progress had been made by firefighters at the incident today, despite the ‘challenging’ wind conditions, which had seen the direction of the smoke change today.

The service issued a statement which said: “The smoke plume continues to head towards Epworth and Sandtoft and residents there are advised to keep windows and door closed as needed.

“Beyond this the message to the public remains extremely clear – please stay away from Hatfield Moors whilst this fire is being dealt with.”

The multi-agency effort to tackle the fire is now expected to run over the Bank Holiday weekend and into next week, with crews from South Yorkshire, Humberside and further afield being supported by a range of other organisation.

Staff from Doncaster Council, Natural England, Public Health England, Scottish Power and the Environment Agency are all continuing to offer their help and support in order to protect as much as the local landscape and wildlife as possible.

A specialist helicopter and high volume pumps have again been in use throughout the course of the day, whilst bulldozers are being used to create fire breaks and stop further spread.

Fire crews were first called out to the fire on the moors in the early hours of May 17.