The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Large scale attack planned to fight fierce Lancashire moorland fires
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 are now 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 have 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 hot spots.
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.
“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 said on Saturday it had 28 fire engines tackling the moorland fires.
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.