Twenty nine fire engines are now fighting he fire on the Moors above Bolton, The Lancashire fire service has announced, one day after the have been declared a major incident
”We are continuing to tackle fires across various locations at the Winter Hill side and Scout Road side of the incident. We increased firefighting efforts at 04:30hrs this morning in order to mount a large scale attack on the fire fronts.” said the fire service in a statement
“Firefighting activity on the Winter Hill side is now focusing on getting water onto smouldering, hot spot area. 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.”added the service
The service also reminded people of the need to stay clear of the fire ground so that fire operations can continue unimpeded.
“Also, if you are spending time out today please take care to be fire safety aware.”
Meanwhile 100 soldiers from Catterick remain on Saddleworth Moor this weekend working with Greater Manchester Fire to tackling the fires which broke our a week ago.
Paul Etches, Head of Prevention, said: “This is the seventh consecutive afternoon of firefighting around Higher Swineshaw Reservoir – our crews display great professionalism and determination in tough conditions.
“The Fires at Tameside will detain us into a second week”