Public told to avoid Doncaster beauty spot as fire crews continue to tackle huge blaze
The fire was first reported at around 5.30pm on Sunday and crews from several Doncaster fire stations have been tackling the blaze ever since.Because the fire is embedded in the high levels of peat on the moor, it could be days or even weeks before it is fully extinguished.Crews from Edlington, Doncaster and Thorne have all been tackling the fire at the beauty spot which is a popular destination for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.A fire spokesman said it was too early to say what caused the blaze and that an investigation would take place.
Fire crews have already spent more than 18 hours at the inferno on Hatfield Moors – and are expected to remain at the scene for several days.
It is not known what caused the blaze at this stage and an investigation is set to get under way at a later stage.
Crews from Doncaster, Edlington and Thorne have all been at the scene, England’s second largest low level peat bog.
Because of the high levels of peat on the moor, moorland blazes can burn for days and in recent years, crews have tackled a number of huge fires which have destroyed important wildlife habitat and plants.
The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a popular spot for walkers.