Winter Hill fire ‘not out yet’ as firefighters work through the night

Firefighters in action, taken by Lytham Fire Station in the early hours of Friday morning

Around 80 firefighters remain working on containing the Winter Hill moorland fire which started on Thursday afternoon.

Fire crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Manchester Fire Service and now Cumbria Fire Service have been working to put out the flames.

It’s not yet known how the fire started and it’s the second major fire at Rivington since Monday – as well as the Saddleworth moor fire which continues to rage in North Manchester.

A man from Bolton, 22, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said on Friday morning they still had fifteen fire crews in attendance, as well as support vehicles.

Another view of the moorland fire at Winter Hill Pic: Stephen Melling — Plumes of smoke were seen from mid-afternoon on Thursday Pic: Stephen Melling

She said: “We are still working on extinguishing the fire and the hot spots at the incident. The fire is not out yet.”

The public are being urged to stay away from Rivington and the Winter Hill area for their safety.

https://twitter.com/Lancs_FireDCFO/status/1012626572069785600

Many people have been asking how they can help either put out the fire or help the firefighters.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service say they are not accepting help from members of the public to put out the flames – but they are accepting bottled water, isotonic drinks and packaged food.

The training centre in Southport Road, Euxton, Chorley, has been opened as a drop off zone – rather than people bringing the drinks up to Winter Hill.