New wildfire in Lancashire countryside is suspected arson

Hard-pressed Lancashire fire crews were this afternoon dealing with a new wildfire caused by arsonists

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Jul 2018, 15:29 BST

Updated 4th Jul 2018, 18:07 BST

Officers were alerted after smoke was seen coming from woods at Healey Nab, near Chorley, this afternoon.

Three fire crews and a helicopter carrying water went to the scene.

Scores of officers were already deployed at Winter Hill - about four miles away - and also helping out Greater Manchester colleagues at Saddleworth.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the blaze was being treated as suspected arson.

He said there were two seats of fire.

Police had been informed and the Barton-based police helicopter had been mobilised.