Eight fire engines sent to tackle moorland blaze in Darwen

Fire crews and police have been tacking a moorland blaze near Darwen Tower.
By Sean Gleaves
Published 7th Apr 2020, 19:05 BST
Updated 7th Apr 2020, 19:49 BST
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Firefighters, police and United Utilities have been tackling a blaze close to Darwen Tower since 5.10pm today (April 7).

Eight fire engines and 50 firefighters have been sent to the incident near Sunnyhurst Lane.

The fire is approximately 400m by 100m.

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A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to a fire on the moors just off Sunnyhurst Lane in Darwen at 5.10pm.

"Eight fire engines have been sent to the scene.

"Firefighters are trying to use a path to stop the fire spreading any further.

"There is no more information about the extent of the fire at the moment but the incident is ongoing."

Eight fire engines were sent to attend a Darwen moors blaze near Sunnyhurst Lane. (Credit: Lancashire Police)Eight fire engines were sent to attend a Darwen moors blaze near Sunnyhurst Lane. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Eight fire engines were sent to attend a Darwen moors blaze near Sunnyhurst Lane. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

It has now been confirmed "the main fire front has been extinguished by firefighters using leaf blowers, aqua packs and beaters."

Smaller spots of fire are being monitored.

No injuries have been reported.

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Pictures from the police's tactical operations unit drone team were posted on Twitter, giving an aerial infra-red view of the blaze.

The incident comes after Lancashire Fire and Rescue issued a notice about the increase of "nuisance fires." (Credit: Lancashire Police)The incident comes after Lancashire Fire and Rescue issued a notice about the increase of "nuisance fires." (Credit: Lancashire Police)
The incident comes after Lancashire Fire and Rescue issued a notice about the increase of "nuisance fires." (Credit: Lancashire Police)

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Lancs Drone working with @LFRS_DRONE to tackle the latest moorland fire near Darwen Tower, giving eyes to the commanders on the ground and assisting with the direction and damping down of the fire."

The incident comes after Lancashire Fire and Rescue issued a notice about the increase of "nuisance fires."

The statement read: "In recent weeks, the improving weather has brought with it a notable increase in nuisance fires across the county.

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"From small bonfires in gardens to anti-social fire setting out in the community. It is an issue that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and our partners within local councils are keen to address.

"We urge people to be considerate when it comes to burning waste and ask you not to do so at this time. Whilst the smells might be unpleasant the smoke could have more serious implications. Any neighbours with underlying respiratory issues, or even suffering from coronavirus itself could find their conditions aggravated by these fires."

You can read the full statement HERE.