Raging wildfire threatens moorlands in northern England
Posted July 01, 2018 7:00 am
LONDON (AP) - Some 120 firefighters are trying to contain a wildfire that has been declared a "major incident" as it spreads in the moorlands of northern England.
British fire officials said two large fires had merged because of high winds and extremely dry conditions as much of England is gripped by a heat wave. The fire is in the Winter Hill area, 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of London.
Lancashire fire officials said late Saturday that "we are dealing with a rapidly developing aggressive fire across all vegetation types, including woodlands."
About two dozen fire engines are on the scene and steps are being taken to protect nearby properties. Officials are asking residents not to come to try to help because of the threat to public safety.
In this photo taken on Thursday, June 28, 2018, firefighters tackle a wildfire on Winter Hill near Bolton, England. Dozens of people have been evacuated from homes in northwest England as firefighters continue to tackle a blaze spreading across tinder-dry moorland. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
In this photo taken on Thursday, June 28, 2018, firefighters tackle a wildfire on Winter Hill near Bolton, England. Dozens of people have been evacuated from homes in northwest England as firefighters continue to tackle a blaze spreading across tinder-dry moorland. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Firefighters tackle a wild fire on Winter Hill near Bolton, England, Thursday, June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle wildfires in dry grassy hills in northwest England that may last for weeks. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Firefighters tackle a wild fire on Winter Hill near Bolton, England, Thursday, June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle wildfires in dry grassy hills in northwest England that may last for weeks. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Firefighters tackle the wildfire on Saddleworth Moor in Saddleworth, England, Thursday, June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle a blaze in dry grassy hills in northwest England that may last for weeks. Over 100 firefighters have been working rolling 12-hour shifts to tackle fires in six pockets across 7-square miles (18-square kilometers) of Saddleworth Moor, on the outskirts of Greater Manchester. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Firefighters tackle the wildfire on Saddleworth Moor in Saddleworth, England, Thursday, June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle a blaze in dry grassy hills in northwest England that may last for weeks. Over 100 firefighters have been working rolling 12-hour shifts to tackle fires in six pockets across 7-square miles (18-square kilometers) of Saddleworth Moor, on the outskirts of Greater Manchester. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Firefighters tackle the wildfire on Saddleworth Moor in Saddleworth, England, Thursday, June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle a blaze in dry grassy hills in northwest England that may last for weeks. Over 100 firefighters have been working rolling 12-hour shifts to tackle fires in six pockets across 7-square miles (18-square kilometers) of Saddleworth Moor, on the outskirts of Greater Manchester. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
A helicopter collects water as firefighters tackle the wildfire on Saddleworth Moor near Manchester, England, Thursday June 28, 2018. Britain's military are joining exhausted firefighters to tackle wildfires in the dry grassy hills in northwest England that have already been alight for several days. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Associated Press