Battle to control wildfires enters second week: latest updates

Officers have thanked people for their generosity as crews continue to tackle blazes in both Manchester and Lancashire

Published 2nd Jul 2018
Last updated 2nd Jul 2018

There's reports people have been spotted lighting new moorland fires as crews continue to battle blazes at both Winter Hill over Bolton and on Saddleworth moor.

Helicopters carrying water to fight the fire at Winter Hill have spotted arsons on the moorland.

While police officers have also had to deal with members of the public, including people driving to the scene to record the incident on mobile phones, blocking access for emergency vehicles and others flying drones over the moorland to record the fire.

They have said the incidents have made it difficult for the emergency services to do their jobs and puts the safety of members of the public at risk.

A third fire broke out on Sunday afternoon, at Healy Nab on the edge of Chorley, north of the Winter Hill fire.

Crews say they managed to bring that blaze under control quickly.

Since firefighters began tackling the Winter Hill flames, they have been inundated with donations and support.

They have now said they have enough supplies for the forseeable future, after an 'overwhelming' response at Chorley fire station.

Over at Saddleworth, meanwhile, and crews manning the Operations Centre at Stalybridge Fire Station say they are in need of things like suncream, insect repellant, baseball caps, and pairs of socks.

Crews say they are making definite progress but still believe the only way the flames will be extinguished completely is if there is rainfall.