Winter Hill fire may burn for days, fire crews fear

Firefighters tackling a blaze near a major TV transmitter say it will take days to extinguish but "fear it may be much longer".

The fire, which started at Winter Hill on Thursday, is smouldering across a 1.9 sq miles (5 sq km) area.

A 22-year-old man, from Bolton, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The fire has "intensified" following increased winds during the afternoon, Lancashire fire service said.

It comes as crews from around the country have joined firefighters and the Army to deal with a separate fire at Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester, which started on Sunday.

Along with the Winter Hill blaze, it has blanketed the region in smoke and ash. People in nearby areas have been asked to keep doors and windows closed.

About 100 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, were sent from their Yorkshire barracks on Thursday to aid firefighters for an initial 48-hour deployment.

Their presence has been extended for a further three days following a request by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the Winter Hill blaze was currently smouldering between the TV transmitter, which serves viewers in north-west England, and Rivington Pike near Bolton.

He said predicting when it would be fully extinguished was "not an exact science" and depended on the strength and direction of the wind.

Following the hot weather and recent blazes across the region, he appealed for people not to use naked flames near dry grass.

Area manager Ben Norman, from the service, explained: "I wouldn't like to say when we'd be leaving the moors - we are hopeful it would be within the next few days but we fear it may be much longer."

A trench has also been dug to prevent the fire from reaching the highest house on the hill.

Mike Sewell and his family were evacuated from their home as fire crews and the water firm United Utilities, which manages an area nearby, tried to protect the property.

"It's been a bit of a nightmare but the fire service has been brilliant, they're keeping us informed all the way," he said.

"We've had a few little fires before but nothing on this magnitude.

"Normally there are birds flying around but there are not as many now so that's one of the main downfalls."

About 60 firefighters and 10 fire engines were at the scene of the fire earlier.

They have been aided by a helicopter crew, who have been dropping water to help douse the fire.

Despite the location, the blaze is not expected to affect local TV transmission services.