Firefighters have been tackling a blaze on moorland at Winter Hill since Thursday and here’s an update on the latest information.
They made good progress this morning (Friday) in getting the blaze under control and the latest update from the fire service can be found here.
The advice for residents and people thinking of going up to have a look is to stay away as people travelling up towards Rivington have been hampering the emergency services and putting lives at unnecessary risk.
Offers of supplies:-
We know people have been wanting to drop off supplies such as isotonic drinks for the firefighters – If anyone would like to donate water, isotonic drinks and packaged food, please take them to our training centre, on Westway, Euxton, PR7 6DH.
Health advice:-
The health advice from Public Health England is:
Dr William Welfare, Consultant in Health Protection, said: "Residents in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed and switch air conditioning systems to recycle or recirculate air. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.
"Smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. It can also worsen existing problems such as asthma and people with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times. Anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact their GP or NHS 111.”
PHE appreciates the hot weather is having a combined effect and also recommends that people in affected areas:-
- draw curtains to limit direct sunlight heating-up internal surfaces in the home
- use fans to recirculate air within the house to help keep cool
- wear lighter clothing
- keep hydrated with cool drinks
- limit activities that might contribute to emissions within the home such as cooking
- set any air conditioning to recirculate mode
- limit the time you spend outdoors and avoiding strenuous physical activity.
- once the smoke has moved away, consider opening doors and windows to allow the house to cool down.
Updates on social media
For the latest updates follow Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service @lancashirefrs on Twitter or @LancashireFireandRescueService on Facebook and keep an eye on our @BoltonCouncil pages on Twitter and Facebook.