Fire crews tackle large blaze at moorland beauty spot

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Fire have broken out at beauty spots in Darwen and at Winter Hill as temperatures soared. Credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire crews spent the night tackling a large blaze on the moors in Lancashire.

Eight fire engines along with wildfire teams, the air support unit and specialist appliances resumed firefighting at first light near Bolton Road in Darwen.

The fire is affecting approximately 5km of moorland.

Lancashire fire crews said: "The fire front is covering an area approximately 300 yards by 200 yards.

"Firefighters are currently using aqua packs and beaters to bring the fire under control."

There's been warnings that scarce rainfall and dry vegetation would provide "all of the ingredients" for wildfires to spread.

Temperatures reached highs of 28C (82F), which are much higher than the average for the time of year, according to the Met Office.