A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life over a fire on hills near Chorley.
Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire and Rescue are carrying out a joint investigation into the cause of a fire at Winter Hill near Bolton.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Fire crews continue to tackle the blaze which broke out yesterday afternoon (Thursday, June 28th)
"The origin and cause of the fire remain unknown.
"One man, aged 22, from Bolton, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life."
More fire crews are travelling to hills near Chorley to battle a blaze.
Lancashire Fire Service officials have tweeted:
This is just one of the ways our firefighters extinguish moor fires. Using this new technology is easier than the more traditional way of using beaters. pic.twitter.com/gxFjmVS5C9
— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) June 29, 2018
UPDATE 04:30 At first light this morning twelve fire engines as well as crews from @CumbriaFire and wildfire units returned to Winter Hill to continue to tackle the moorland fire.
— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) June 29, 2018
The fire authority were first called about the incident at 3.21pm and by 8pm 15 fire engines from Lancashire and Manchester were in attendance.
The area affected was approximately 1km square in size.
A Lancashire Fire statement said that: "Firefighters are tackling the fire from three locations using specialist wildfire fighting equipment plus hose reels and beaters.
"Mountain rescue officers and United Utilities are assisting at the incident.
"There is no immediate risk to livestock, domestic properties or infrastructure.
This morning at #winterfell pic.twitter.com/5TCOzIQqkP
— DCFO Justin Johnston (@Lancs_FireDCFO) June 29, 2018
"However, please keep windows and doors closed if you are close to the smoke."
The scale of the fire could be seen from a tweet by Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Justin Johnson.
As the sun goes down thermal imaging guides the crew. Our drone team have been everywhere recently. So very skilled and very busy! #winterhill @LFRS_DRONE pic.twitter.com/zzNlCYJrEw
— DCFO Justin Johnston (@Lancs_FireDCFO) June 28, 2018
Plumes of smoke can be seen in the sky from across Chorley.
It is the second time in almost a week that firefighters have fought flames on moorland near Chorley.
12 fire engines are dealing with a moorland fire approx 1km sq in size at Winter Hill. Keep your windows & doors closed if you're close to the smoke. pic.twitter.com/FqlSVYK76X
— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) June 28, 2018
We currently have several appliances being sent to a fire at a moorland location on Winter Hill alongside colleagues from @manchesterfire #staysafe
— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) June 28, 2018
Meanwhile Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has praised the emergency services for their efforts in Chorley and Saddleworth recently.
Lots of worrying pictures and reports coming in from Chorley of major fire now on Winter Hill and Rivington. Please don't visit for pictures, stay safe @LancashireFRS must be exhausted from their efforts in Manchester. I'm asking authorities if they need any extra resources. https://t.co/uYoZAFCpaT
— Lindsay Hoyle (@LindsayHoyle_MP) June 28, 2018
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