Moorland fire in north England spreads, major incident declared

 

FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises from a grass fire on Winter Hill near Bolton, Britain, June 28, 2018. REUTERS/Ed Sykes/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Fires on moorland outside the northern English city of Manchester intensified on Saturday, prompting authorities to declare a major incident.

 

Hot weather and wind over the last week have sparked fires in parts of the northern English countryside -- unprecedented in recent times in an area better known for its rainy weather.

 

"A major incident has been declared as the fires on Winter Hill and Scout Road near Bolton have merged," Greater Manchester Police said in a statement, referring to an area roughly 12 miles northwest of the city.

 

"We strongly urge motorists and pedestrians to adhere to all road closure signs as they are there for your safety."

 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it had around 120 personnel battling wildfires in seven areas between Tameside to the east of the city, and the Winter Hill area to the northwest.

 

There have been no reports of casualties.

 

Earlier in the week the army was called in to help battle another fire on Saddleworth Moor, which spans the area between Manchester and Yorkshire.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-07-01

A troll post and replies to it have been removed

Happy Armed Forces weekend to the poor buggers who once again stepped up to the plate...

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/100-troops-and-chinook-helicopter-deployed-to-saddleworth-moor

Edited July 1, 20188 yr by evadgib

The police have arrested a 22 year old man and charged him with Arson and endangering life.....lets hope if found guilty he gets a stiff prison sentence....idiot

Love the moors. Did a lot of walking there in my youth. The part I knew was very boggy, don't see how a fire could get started there.