FIREFIGHTERS stretched to the limit as they tackle a moorland blaze have told of their frustration at people still setting deliberate fires in East Lancashire.

Some 28 fire engines plus specialist appliances are currently at the massive moorland fire in Winter Hill near the Blackburn with Darwen border.

From as far away as Tyne and Wear, Shropshire and Nottinghamshire, firefighters were called to help battle the flames. Two firefighting helicopters were also at the scene during daylight hours.

And under-pressure firefighters from Hyndburn station have also been helping with efforts to deal with the fire in Winter Hill. 

The station has just two fire engines, with one at Winter Hill on Monday and another which had to be dispatched to a separate grass fire in Rishton on the same day.

It is being treated as a suspected arson and left the fire station at Hyndburn having to rely on support from Blackburn.

Firefighters spent 90 minutes dealing with the fire, off Tottleworth Road, Rishton, at about 3pm on Monday. 

The blaze happened on a patch of extremely dry land off the footpath through Tottleworth from Rishton to Great Harwood.

Crew manager Chris Archer, from Hyndburn Fire Station said the incident had added to pressure on ‘stretched’ crews. He said: “Two fire engines were called to the grass fire off Tottleworth Road in Rishton.

“One crew from Hyndburn attended and another from Blackburn, as we only have two fire engines and one was in Winter Hill. 

“Crews spent a good 90 minutes dealing with the fire using a hose reel and beaters.

“It’s likely the cause of the fire is deliberate.

“We’re stretched with resources as it is without having to deal with additional things like this.

“In the warm weather we’ve had with some land as dry as it is, this is irresponsible and dangerous.

“I’d ask for people to consider what they’re doing and take care when walking and out in the countryside not to discard cigarettes and when starting BBQs.”

Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, has called for a ban on sky lanterns saying they are a liability for starting moor fires during this dry spell.