Anglezarke Moor fire alight into third day

Fire crews have been on Anglezarke Moor and Wheeton Moor since Friday

Firefighters are trying to bring a fire on moorland in east Lancashire under control, three days after it caught light.

The blaze is covering several square miles between Bolton and Chorley, on both Anglezarke Moor and Wheeton Moor.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 1005 BST on Friday, and crews remained there on Sunday morning.

A second fire broke out on peat at Whitemoss Horticulture at Simonswood near Ormskirk on Saturday.

The business supplies peat, compost and horticultural products to gardeners.

'Be vigilant'

Large plumes of smoke were seen drifting into neighbouring areas, and people living nearby were being advised to stay indoors and keep all windows closed.

The cause of the blaze is not known but it is not thought to be suspicious.

A large amount of smoke has also been drifting from the moorland fire towards Chorley and people are being warned to avoid the area.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said 80 firefighters and 16 fire engines were at the scene near Belmont village on Sunday.

Specialist equipment was being used to transfer water from Anglezarke Reservoir to the fire.

Walkers are being asked to be careful when discarding cigarette butts.

Steve Wilson, from the fire service, said: "Over the bank holiday period crews in both Lancashire and Greater Manchester have been engaged in several moorland fires.

"Walkers are advised to take extra care when on moorland and to be extra vigilant to the dangers of fire."