Fire rips through Winter Hill, Belmont, again

More than 40 fire fighters were called to the blaze at 2:24pm on Friday afternoon.

Eight fire engines from stations including Chorley, Blackburn, Bacup, Preston, and Horwich helped to tackle the flames.

Now, Greater Manchester Fire Scene Investigation Team believes it has pinpointed the fire to a specific location.

They tweeted: "based on info gathered we concluded the fire was started deliberately by the car park."

The fire has come at a time when the emergency services are wanting people to stay inside and only leave the house when absolutely essential.

Members of the fire service have signalled their frustration at people seemingly going against these guidelines, with the fire a result of this.

Justin Johnston, Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire fire, said: "Disappointing that this fire began near the car park at the blue lagoon.

"There should be no one up there. But there have been plenty.

"Can only really be deliberate or careless. Either way it really is not what we need with #coronavirusuk please stay home!"

Mr Walton furthered these sentiments on Saturday morning having left the affected area around 11:45am.

He said: "Please don’t venture on the moors today, follow Gov guidance and stay at home. It’s still tinder dry and will easily burn."

The wind drove the fire from the blue lagoon side of the hill towards the monument on Rivington.

More than 3km of land has been damaged, with flames reaching heights of 6m.

The fire service is now looking for people to come forward with any information they may have to help catch those responsible.

Shaun Walton, the Group Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue, announced that the fire had been put out by 7:50pm that evening, with foul play at blame for the blaze.

Mr Walton said: "Lancashire Fire and Rescue are treating the wildfire at Belmont Winter Hill as deliberate ignition."

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lancashire police, stating the date and log number 805.