Work continues on Darwen Moor after a wildfire broke out on Sunday, leaving about four hectares of moorland damaged. Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service led the emergency response and responsibility for the site has now been passed to the council for follow-up operations.
Immediate response and handover
The initial blaze was first reported on Sunday, July 12, with council teams supporting fire crews on the moor from about 3pm until roughly 11pm on the day. The council provided practical assistance, including using a gully wagon to supply additional water to crews tackling the fire.
"It's been three days since a wildfire broke out on Darwen Moor – and our staff are still part of the response," said a Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson.
On Tuesday, July 14, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service reported the blaze had affected around four hectares and had been fully extinguished using specialist wildfire equipment. A handover from the Wildfire Tactical Advisor was completed and responsibility for the site was transferred to the council.
Ongoing work to prevent re-ignition
Council teams have remained on the moor in the days following the incident carrying out targeted follow-up operations. Because the fire affected peat moorland, efforts have focused on locating and cooling hot spots that could re-ignite if left unchecked.
- Green spaces teams have been strimming around the edges of the burned area to create a break and reduce fuel for any returning flames.
- Crews have used vehicle-mounted water supplies, including a gully wagon, during the firefight.
- Rangers and emergency-callout staff supported Lancashire Fire and Rescue as part of the council's wildfire emergency plan.
The council said teams were on site for several days following the fire, repeating the strimming work on successive days to ensure the perimeter remained secure.
Local impact and practical considerations
Peat moorland can retain heat below the surface, meaning fires may continue to smoulder and pose a risk of re-ignition even after visible flames have been extinguished. The council's current work to remove edge vegetation and damp down hotspots is aimed at reducing that risk.
Residents and visitors are advised to follow any temporary closures or safety guidance issued by the council while follow-up operations are underway. No further details were given about injuries or property damage, and the council expressed thanks to frontline responders and partner agencies who attended the incident.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 12 July | Blaze reported; council and fire crews respond (approx. 3pm–11pm) |
| 13–15 July | Council teams carry out follow-up strimming and hotspot prevention |
| 14 July | Fire reported as affecting around four hectares and fully extinguished by fire service |
Blackburn with Darwen Council did not provide further operational details beyond confirming its teams remain part of the response. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed specialist wildfire equipment was used during the extinguishing phase and has completed the tactical handover.
We will continue to monitor updates from the council and fire service and publish any new information about access restrictions, environmental recovery or investigations into the cause of the blaze.
