BREAKING Fire crews battling moorland blaze near Greater Manchester

Fire crews are dealing with a blaze on moorland near Greater Manchester. The National Trust says emergency services are working with rangers at the scene on Marsden Moor, in West Yorkshire, this afternoon (March 23).

The incident is close to Cupwith Reservoir, close to the A640 and a few miles from the border with Oldham at Saddleworth. It comes just days after crews dealt with another fire on Marsden Moor last Friday, at Pule Hill.

Crews tackled a 400m area of fire during last Friday's incident. It follows a prolonged period of dry weather across the country, with the north basking in sunshine over the past week.

READ MORE: Dad told he was dying stole £25,000 of duty free goods after exploiting in-flight loophole HUNDREDS of times

In a post issued at around 3.30pm today, a spokesperson for National Trust Marsden Moor wrote on Twitter: "We're aware of a fire on Marsden Moor, near Cupwith Reservoir. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Trust rangers are in attendance.

"At the moment, the area is very vulnerable to fires after a long period of dry weather. Please never bring BBQs, campfires, or fireworks onto the moors. You could face a fine or even a prison sentence."

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.

Get more news, sport and what's on straight to your emails by subscribing to the Manchester Evening News' free newsletters here.