Search is on for parents and child
FIREFIGHTERS TACKLING a “rapidly developing, aggressive fire” which is ravaging moorland across Lancashire say they are launching a “large-scale attack” against the blaze.
Crews were last night battling a major incident which was declared on Saturday after two large-scale moorland fires merged due to increasing wind speed.
Greater Manchester Police said fires on Winter Hill and Scout Road near Bolton had merged, with pedestrians and motorists urged to stay away from the scene.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which has 25 appliances at Winter Hill, says that helicopters are being brought in to try to get water on to areas of smouldering hotspots.
It is part of firefighting efforts which have been bolstered since 4.30am “in order to mount a large-scale attack on the fire fronts”, according to a spokesman.
He said: “Offensive firefighting is focusing on getting water onto nearby woodland to ensure any flame flare-ups don’t spread to that area and we have been working with partners to secure the road and infrastructure up on the top of the hill at the mast sites.
“Significant firefighting activity is predominantly focused on the Scout Road side of the incident ground. We are looking into getting helicopter support later in the day to assist with getting water onto the incident ground in this area.”
They have also warned people not to fly drones over Winter Hill as they are “putting firefighters and pilots’ lives at risk”, particularly with helicopters in the skies.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said on Saturday it had 28 fire engines tackling the moorland fires. There were approximately 120 personnel on the moors, split between seven areas of wildfire in Tameside and Winter Hill, Bolton.
GMFRS is tackling the moorland fires in Tameside while colleagues face another tough day doing the same at Winter Hill.
The service tweeted: “The object of today is to continue to control and if possible reduce both incidents. Some people have reported smelling smoke or ash settling on their properties.”
The first moorland fire – on Saddleworth Moor – started last Sunday amid Britain’s heatwave and has devastated surrounding land around Carrbrook.
Assistant chief fire officer Dave Keelan said: “This is an exceptionally challenging time and I am proud of the hard work and brave commitment of our firefighters.”
With “a still significant smoke plume” striking the area downwind of the fire, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was urging anyone affected to keep their windows and doors shut. A plea was also made for people to stay away from the scene.
Lancashire fire service area manager Tony Cook said “very intensive firefighting” is taking place on Winter Hill, including personnel doing shuttle runs in appliances to get water to the scene while others manually try to beat out the fire.
Fire break trenches are also being dug to try to protect local buildings.
A pregnant woman and her husband who have vanished with their 16-monthold son after social workers raised welfare concerns might be in the capital.
Social services bosses say they have evidence that Eunice Kyerah, who is more than 30 weeks pregnant, Richard Kyerah and their son Joeking Kyerah have been recently staying in the Croydon area. A High Court judge issued an urgent appeal for help finding Joeking. Mr Justice Keehan suggested that the youngster has been “spirited away” by his parents.