ARSON fears have been raised after a second devastating blaze ravaged Ilkley Moor, where firefighters were still damping down hot spots today.

Crews from Keighley and Otley returned to the destroyed 60 metres by 80 metres area close to the Cow and Calf Rocks to ensure the wildfire which started yesterday afternoon was completely out.

Eight fire engines plus supporting appliances attended the scene.

At its height, around 40 firefighters were involved in putting out the blaze using portable pumps and fire beaters.

Friends of Ilkley Moor chairman Owen Wells was with Bradford Council staff, gamekeepers and volunteers who joined in tackling the fire, just days after massive damage was done to sloping land near White Wells.

“There is a suspicion these two fires were started deliberately,” he said.

“I was up there helping and gamekeepers told me they did not start where you might expect.

“They both started in very unusual places.

“It’s very worrying and we would urge everyone to be very vigilant.

“The Fire Service did a great job - I was amazed by how much equipment they got to such a remote spot,” Mr Wells said.

Area Manager for Fire Safety Ian Bitcon said: “We cannot rule out that the cause of the Ilkley moorland fires was deliberate.

“It is sometimes extremely difficult to establish a cause due to the scale and nature of these kind of fires.

“We urge people never to set fires deliberately and also to take steps to prevent moorland fires from starting accidentally.”

Amanda Anderson, of the Moorland Association, said: “Fire at this time of year is absolutely devastating for wildlife and ground nesting birds.

“Grouse are devoted parents and I’ve seen pictures of them incinerated just inches from their eggs or chicks because they won’t leave them.”

She said flames also can outrun sheep.

“If sheep can’t escape a moorland fire, could you?”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Steve Fealy said: “It’s the second fire that we have had in this vicinity, on the moors in Ilkley, in the last ten days.

“The moors are beautiful and we must all do our bit to help preserve them.

“Please do not light fires or barbecues on the moorland, or drop cigarettes or matches and always take your litter home, including any glass bottles.

Ilkley Moor is owned by Bradford Council and was a treasure that needed to be guarded from harm, a spokesman said.

“If you see fire or smoke on the moors outside of the period 1 October to 15 April, when heather can legally be burnt, please call 999.”