AFTER 41 days the Winter Hill fire is finally out.

The "stop message" declaring the fire was out and the fire service could withdraw was sent yesterday afternoon.

Access to Winter Hill and Rivington Pike has been reopened and the public are asked to stick to the public footpaths to allow the damaged ground to recover.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s area manager Simon Fryer said: “Assessment of the incident ground this morning using thermal imaging showed that there are currently no hot spots presenting a risk of further fires breaking out.

“As a result, the fire service will cease monitoring and leave the site in the hands of the landowners, who we have been working with throughout this incident.

“We ask that people take great care and are extra vigilant if visiting the area. Disposable BBQs, discarded cigarettes and even rubbish left on the ground can all start a fire. If anyone does spot a fire, they should call 999.”

The fires broke out on June 28 on the dry moorland and fire services from across the country were drafted in to help battle the blaze which has damaged an 18 sq km site, getting very close to the Winter Hill TV transmitter mast.

The hot summe with no rain for weeks meant the fire could burn unimpeded underground.