MORE than 70 acres of East Lancashire moorland went up in flames last night leading to fears homes might have to be evacuated.

Three fire appliances, including a specialist 'crawler' were called to the burning hills above Bacup.

More than 40 calls were received by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as the flames were visible for miles above Rossendale.

Fire crews feared at one point at least two houses might have to be evacuated as they fought the blaze for over two hours.

Steve Morley, crew manager from Bacup fire station said: "We are called out around 8pm last night to a  fire on the moors above Bacup, near Lee Mill and Britannia.

"We were there for two and half hours fighting the flames affecting some 30 hectares of moorland.

"There were fears that at least two houses nearby might have to be evacuated but luckily it did not come to that.

"The grass was well alight and could be seen for miles around.

"We received 40 to 50 calls from local people who could see the fire.

"Two fire engines and a specialist 'soft crawler' wildfire unit were despatched from Bacup and Rawtenstall stations.

"We returned this morning to check everything was alright and there was no new fire.

"It looks as if the fire may have been deliberately ignited and investigations are continuing."

Last night crews from Chorley and Greater Manchester also tackled a moorland fire at Angelzarke which happeend just after 7.30pm.

Ten fire engines from across the region were also called to tackle a blaze in the vicinity of Higher Broach Farm in Noyna Road, Foulridge, which struck just before noon today.

There has been no one injured in either incident anre cause of both fires is being investigated.

Smoke and flames have also been seen by residents in Darwen as a fire started on the moorland near the Jubilee Tower this afternoon.