Update: Drone brought in by fire crews after dramatic moorland blaze

Moorland above Blacko was covered in thick black smoke yesterday afternoon after a fire broke out.

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue drone flew over moorland off Gisburn Road, Blacko where the blaze broke out at noon yesterday.

A thermal imaging camera was placed on the drone to check for smouldering embers at the scene.

Several fire crews from Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Padiham, Earby and Barnoldswick were called out to tackle the fire which they managed to bring under control within a couple of hours.

About 200 square metres of moorland around half a metre from the nearest path and thick plumes of black smoke from the blaze could be seen for miles around.

Firefighters used beaters and mist packs to control the flames in addition to the resources of the Softrak all-terrain fire appliance an a control unit and support fire engine from Fulwood which was also in attendance.

The cause of the fire is now being investigated.

Last night fellow firefighters in Greater Manchester were called out to tackle a huge blaze on Saddleworth moors close to Oldham.