50 firefighters tackle huge moorland fire on Winter Hill

Firefighters are expected to be battling the blaze throughout the evening after beng called to land close to Georges Road.

Six crews were dispatched to the fire, which is about a mile from the road, after a pilot spotted the smoke from the air.

There are currently omore than 50 firefighters at the scene along with various specialist equipment, including beaters, all terrain vehicles and firefighting fans.

He reported the blaze to air traffic control at Liverpool John Lennon airport, who then in turn informed Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters from both services are at the scene, after receiving the call at 3.55pm this afternoon.

It has been established that the blaze is now measuring about 1km by 500m, with crews stationed at either side.

The fire and the smoke it is creating is drifting towards Belmont and the TV mast on the hill.

The fire service is advising people to stay away from the area and keep their windows and doors locked if their house is affected by the smoke.

Incident commander Wayne Guffogg, from Bolton North fire station, said: "We will take control of the situation when we get enough officers there.

"We still have plenty of hours of daylight left to get as much done as we can."

Group Manager Dean Nankivell, who is the Officer in Charge of the incident, said: "In this warm weather the ground is extremely dry which creates a tinderbox effect and that means any fire can spread very easily.

"This wildfire currently spans an area of around 1km by 500metres, with various pockets of fire across the moorland and firefighters are working incredibly hard to surround it and stop it from spreading. 

"It is particularly arduous work, the location means water is not easily accessible and crew use beaters to extinguish it and create breaks to prevent the fire from spreading.

"They are also trying to limit the impact on the environment and wildlife in the area.

"We would ask people to stay away from the area until the fire is out - and if you live locally to keep doors and windows shut.

"We are expecting to be at the scene for several hours."

The fire seen from Standish, Wigan. Picture: Francis Clossick