A huge moorland fire has broken out at scout moor this evening, sending smoke and flames visible for miles. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester crews are in attendance and working to contain the blaze. The fire started at around 6pm ET beneath the wind turbines at the Scout Moor wind farm and the cause remains unknown.
Scout Moor blaze updates
Images and video from the scene show thick plumes of smoke and roaring flames across the moorland above Greenbooth Reservoir, with the blaze visible from towns across Greater Manchester and beyond. Residents in Bury reported seeing the fire from the Wood Street area, and people in Rochdale, Dukinfield and other towns have been able to view the smoke and flames. The moorland blaze at scout moor can be seen from as far away as Eccles, roughly 19 miles from the wind farm location.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service crews, supported by Greater Manchester teams, have several fire engines on site and their drone team is operating over the scene to assess and guide firefighting efforts. The fire is burning beneath and around wind turbines on the farm at scout moor, and the service has urged members of the public to stay away while crews work to bring the incident under control. The cause of the fire at scout moor has not been confirmed.
Immediate reactions
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at a wildfire under Scout Moor wind turbines. Several fire engines and our drone team are on scene, working with Greater Manchester crews to bring the fire under control
“We urge members of the public to stay away from the area while firefighters carry out their work. Your cooperation helps us manage the incident safely and effectively. “
Photos taken from Affetside in Bury and video filmed from the Burnedge area of Rochdale show the scale of the blaze. Local residents have shared images and footage showing scorched ground and active flames at the wind farm above the reservoir area, underscoring the size of the incident as crews respond.
Quick context
The fire broke out near the wind turbine farm at Scout Moor, between Ramsbottom and Whitworth, and was first noticed during the late afternoon. This is an ongoing live incident and emergency services remain on site working to contain the moorland fire.
What’s next
Fire services will continue to operate on the ground and from the air with drone support as they aim to bring the blaze under control; the public is asked to avoid the area to allow crews safe access. Further updates will follow as Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester crews provide new information on containment, road safety and any local advisories tied to the ongoing emergency at scout moor.
