Lancashire fire crews tackle moorland fires on Scout Moor

Several fire engines and the drone team were working with Greater Manchester crews to bring the fire under control last night at Scout Moor.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, with fire crews attending Gin Croft Lane, Bury, just before 6pm.

In an update this morning a Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “At 5.44pm on Monday March 23, four fire engines from Lancashire Fire and Rescue, one fire engine from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, and a wildfire unit from Lancashire Fire and Rescue attended a moorland fire at Gin Croft Lane, Edenfield, Bury.

“Firefighters used beaters to extinguish the fire. Crews were in attendance for approximately four hours.

“We would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of not igniting wildfires. These incidents are challenging and place people, property, and large areas of land at significant risk.

“They also divert valuable and limited emergency resources away from other incidents where they may be urgently needed.

“The recent incidents on Scout Moor are currently subject to a joint investigation between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police.”

Greater Manchester Fire Service said last night it was assisting Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to bring a wildfire, under Scout Moor wind turbines, under control.

A spokesperson said: “Please try to avoid the area at the moment, while firefighters carry out their work.”

Lancashire County Councillor for Whitworth and Bacup, Daniel Matchett, shared an update on Monday saying two fires were being dealt with.

One was covering approximately two hectares and had been extinguished. The larger fire, covered around four hectares.

He said: “This is a significant incident and has required the deployment of a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, which is specifically used for tackling moorland fires.

“Crews are also making use of infrared drone technology to help identify hotspots and monitor the spread of the fire. Lancashire is leading the way in deploying this kind of advanced technology to support firefighting efforts.

“This is the third moorland fire reported across the North West in recent days, with other incidents also recorded in Manchester and West Lancashire.”