FIREFIGHTERS were "frustrated and disappointed" to discover a makeshift barbecue on Ilkley Moor last week.

The incident happened just weeks after a moorland fire in Marsden which burned for three days and caused hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage.

A crew from Ilkley Fire Station was called to reports of youths lighting the fire on the moor on the afternoon of Thursday, May 13.

The basic barbecue consisted of charcoal scattered on the grass, surrounded by stones, with a grill placed over the top.

Whoever was responsible for the potentially dangerous fire had run away before firefighters arrived at the scene.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Fire Station said: “This afternoon we were called to this and guess where it was? On the Moor, where no fires or BBQs are permitted.

“It seems we need to post more signs around the moors to try and get the message through.

“A number of youths were reported to be in attendance however had dispersed before police arrival.”

A Public Space Protection Order is in place on Ilkley Moor banning the use of barbecues, fires and fireworks.

Following the incident in Ilkley, Benjy Bush, Bradford District Commander with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It was really frustrating and disappointing to see West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a barbecue on Ilkley Moor.

"This was just weeks after the very serious fire we saw at Marden Moor. There is no safe way to have a barbecue or a fire on the moorland.

"People may mean no harm but fires and barbecues can get out of control accidentally. I just want to remind people that fires, barbecues and fireworks are banned on the moorland around West Yorkshire. We want people to be moor aware and if you see someone starting a barbecue or fire please call 999 and ask for the fire service."

The fire service launched its Be Moor Aware campaign in a bid to stop wildfires destroying moorland.