AN investigation has been launched after a spate of nuisance fires.

Lancashire fire bosses have re-iterated a plea for vigilance after crews put out two moorland blazes in Hurstwood and Bacup on Sunday.

In Blackburn, crews dealt with five call-outs in three days for incidents they described as ‘deliberate’.

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The latest suspicious blaze happened in Peel Close at around 6.10pm on Saturday, where witnesses said a male quad biker started a grass fire.

David Shaw, watch manager at Blackburn fire station, said: “This is the fifth time in recent days that crews have attended deliberately-set fires in this area. It means we are unavailable for any serious incidents.

“These details have been passed to the neighbourhood policing team and the police and Fire service are investigating the incidents.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“Deliberate fires can cost lives and put a strain on fire service resources that may be required elsewhere.”

Blackburn crews also dealt with fires in Holmbrook Close, at 6.50pm on Saturday, and Arran Avenue, at 12.30am on Sunday.

A statement posted on the station’s official Twitter account said: “There were grass fires last night in Higher Croft which are a waste of resources. Children seen lighting them, what were your kids up to?

“Eleven minutes into night shift and Green watch are back up Higher Croft on another grass fire. While we’re here, who’s looking after you?”

A large moorland blaze caught hold in the forest above Hurstwood, near Worsthorne, on Sunday afternoon, while a dozen firefighters were called to land off Rooley Moor Road, south of Bacup.

Bacup fire station crew manager Steven Murray said: “We would ask people to be wary when they are discarding things like cigarettes.

“The drier and warmer weather we are having at the minute makes it much easier for fires like this to spread.”